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Stonewall Jackson Facts

Stonewall Jackson Facts
Stonewall Jackson was a Confederate General who was instrumental in winning many battles during the American Civil War. He was born Thomas Jonathan Jackson on January 21st, 1824, in Clarksburg, Virginia, to Jonathan Jackson and Julia Beckwith, native Virginians. When he was two years old his sister died of typhoid. His father succumbed to typhoid only a few weeks later. His mother gave birth to his sister Laura Ann the next day. When she remarried in 1830 her husband did not like the stepchildren. She died giving birth to their only child together. Jackson was sent to live with his Aunt Polly where he remained for 7 years. He went on to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1842 and his military career began.
Interesting Stonewall Jackson Facts:
Stonewall Jackson began his military career as a second lieutenant. He fought in the Mexican-American War between 1846 and 1848. He became first lieutenant.
In Mexico Stonewall Jackson met Robert E. Lee for the first time.
Stonewall Jackson's actions during the Mexican-American war earned him a promotion to brevet rank of major.
Following the Mexican-American War Stonewall was assigned to New York and then Florida, where he remained only briefly due to disagreements with Major William H. French.
In 1951 Stonewall Jackson took a new teaching position in Lexington, Virginia at the Virginia Military Institute as Professor of Experimental Philosophy and Instructor of Artillery.
Stonewall Jackson was not a popular teacher and was nicknamed Tom Fool.
Stonewall Jackson married his first wife Elinor Junkin in 1853. On October 22, 1854 Elinor gave birth to a stillborn. She died from complications shortly after.
Stonewall Jackson remarried in 1857, to Mary Anna Morrison. Their first child died when she was a month old. They had another daughter in 1862.
In 1861 Stonewall Jackson became a drill master for Confederate recruits. He was soon ordered to take command of Harper's Ferry.
Harper's Ferry later became famous as Stonewall Brigade.
Stonewall Jackson earned his nickname Stonewall as a result of the First Battle of Bull Run in 1861. A comment was made eluding to his troops discipline at the front lines, "Look at Jackson standing there like a stone wall."
A year later following several victories Stonewall Jackson was sent to join General Robert E. Lee and his army.
In 1862 during the Seven Days Battle, Stonewall showed poor leadership on a few occasions but redeemed himself with foot cavalry moves at the Cedar Mountain Battle.
General Lee divided his Army of Virginia into two corps with Stonewall leading one. This enabled them to win at the Battle of Fredericksburg.
In 1863 Stonewall led his army to victory at the Battle of Chancellorsville.
The 18th North Carolina Infantry Regiment shot Stonewall Jackson with friendly fire. His arm was amputated as a result at a field hospital.
Stonewall Jackson died on May 10th, 1863 in Guinea Station, Virginia. He was 39 years old.
Stonewall Jackson's last words are reported to have been, "Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of trees."


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