Thomas Jonathan (Stonewall) Jackson

"Stonewall" Jackson, who acquired his nickname at the first Battle of Manassas (Bull Run) when his troops held their position while others were fading under withering Union fire, was an intensely religious man who stood with his native Virginia in the Civil War. He was educated in the best Virginia schools and then West Point, graduating in 1946. He was commissioned a second lieutenant and served in the American Army in the Mexican War during which he quickly rose to the rank of major.

Jackson didn't smoke, drink, or gamble and he studied the Bible arduously beginning after graduation from West Point. He united with the Presbyterian Church in 1851 and his writings during the Civil War reveal an abiding trust in God.

He resigned his commission in 1851 to take charge of the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA. His first military action relating to the Civil War occurred in 1859 when he was ordered to lead a contingent of VMI cadets who stood guard during the hanging of John Brown (somehow, Virginia assumed jurisdiction over this event even though Brown's crimes were against the federal government). His next active military assignment occurred in April of 1861 when both he and the VMI corps of cadets were ordered to active duty following the secession of Virginia from the Union.

In June, 1861, Jackson was commissioned as a brigadier general in the Confederate Army, then promoted to Major General a few months later, after acquiring the moniker "Stonewall". He was charged with the responsibility of protecting the Shenandoah Valley, the vast "bread basket" of Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy. There he distinguished himself, and his troops, with a series of bold and unorthodox military maneuvers that repeatedly defeated Union forces that were superior in number to his own command. These achievements were undertaken with an abiding trust in the Almighty and were important for three reasons: the ensured flow of agricultural products to the South, the capture of Federal stores, and the prevention of the Union forces in the valley from reinforcing the Army of the Potomac which was positioned to challenge Robert E. Lee (but never really did until 3 years later when U. S. Grant took command).

Many European correspondents covering the war lauded Jackson's efforts as on a par with the best generals in history.

Jackson played a major role in the Cold Harbor and Seven Days campaigns, though in truth, they were not his best efforts. He was late to arrive and mediocre in performance. But he went on to ruin the career of Union General Pope, soundly defeating him and going on to capture vast Union stores at Harpers Ferry. He was one of the most notable combatants at Sharpsburg (Antietam) in 1862 and was promoted to Lieutenant General. Mostly as a result of Jackson's successes, Abraham Lincoln replaced General Burnside with General Hooker.

Chacellorsville was the apogee of Jackson's military career, and also the nadir. His brilliant maneuvering under General Robert E. Lee led to the rout of the Union forces under "Fighting Joe" Hooker, but also resulted in Jackson's death. His own troops shot him, mistaking him for the enemy. How ironic, for a general so loved by his men and his country to die that way.

Perhaps the most fitting tribute to Jackson was Lee's remark that, "He lost his left arm [Jackson's arm was amputated after he was shot] but I have lost my right arm." Lee repeated this sentiment several times a year later at Gettysburg, wishing that he still had his best general at his service.

"Let us cross over the river and rest in the shade of the tree."
--Last words of Thomas Jonathan Jackson.