Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson

Stonewall Jackson

"Old Blue Light"

Thomas J. Jackson was born January 21, 1824, in Clarksburg, Virginia (now Clarksburg, West Virginia). He graduated from the US Military Academy in 1846 and earned two brevets serving in the Mexican War. After his service in Mexico, he became a professor at the Virginia Military Academy where he earned the nickname “Old Blue Light.”

Learn more about the: Mexican-American War

Becoming "Stonewall"

When the Civil War began, he was dispatched to Harper’s Ferry where he was in charge of recruiting soldiers to the Confederate Army. After Harper’s Ferry, Jackson’s brigade moved to Manassas with General Johnston’s forces to meet General P.T. Beauregard. It was in the First Battle of Bull Run that Jackson earned the nickname “Stonewall.” “There stands Jackson like a stone wall” were the words of General Bernard Bee as his retreating Alabama forces were reinforced by Jackson. After the Confederate victory at Bull Run, Jackson was promoted to major general. After faulty intelligence resulted in defeat at Kernstown, Jackson won battles at Winchester, Front Royal, Cross Keys, and Port Republic.

Learn more about: First Manassas (Bull Run)

Second Bull Run

After helping Lee at Richmond, Jackson and his army detached and headed north to face Union General John Pope’s army. Jackson captured Pope’s supply base at Manassas Junction and held off Pope’s army at the Second Battle of Bull Run before Confederate General James Longstreet launched a decisive attack on Union forces, causing them to retreat.

Learn more about Second Manassas (Bull Run)

Untimely Death at Chancellorsville

After Bull Run, Jackson captured Harper’s Ferry and rejoined Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia at Antietam. Despite heavy casualties and an inconclusive result, Jackson was honored and promoted to commander of the 2nd Corps. After defeating Union forces at Fredericksburg, Jackson and his forces routed Union troops at Chancellorsville—his greatest victory. That night, however, Jackson was mortally wounded on accident by his own troops. Jackson had his left arm amputated but died of pneumonia eight days layer on May 10, 1863. Southern sympathizers were devastated. Robert E. Lee said, “He has lost his left arm, but I have lost my right arm.” Stonewall Jackson is buried in Lexington, Virginia.

Learn more about the Battles of: Fredericksburg | Chancellorsville

Location of Stonewall Jackson's Death

Discussion Questions

  1. Why was Thomas Jackson called “Stonewall” during the Civil War?
  2. What were some of Jackson’s major victories in the war?
  3. How did Jackson’s death affect the Confederate Army and General Lee?
  4. What might have happened if Jackson had lived longer during the war?

Old Blue Light

Thomas J. Jackson was born on January 21, 1824, in Clarksburg, Virginia (now West Virginia). He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1846 and served bravely in the Mexican-American War. After the war, he became a professor at the Virginia Military Institute and earned the nickname “Old Blue Light.”

Becoming "Stonewall"

When the Civil War started, Jackson was sent to Harper’s Ferry to help recruit soldiers for the Confederate Army. He later joined General Johnston’s forces at Manassas. During the First Battle of Bull Run, General Bernard Bee saw Jackson standing firm and said, “There stands Jackson like a stone wall,” giving him the famous nickname “Stonewall.” After a victory at Bull Run, Jackson was promoted to major general and later won several other battles.

Second Bull Run

Jackson helped General Lee in Richmond before heading north to confront Union General John Pope. He captured Pope’s supply base at Manassas Junction and held off Union troops at the Second Battle of Bull Run. This set up General Longstreet’s powerful attack that forced the Union army to retreat.

Untimely Death at Chancellorsville

Jackson later captured Harper’s Ferry and fought at Antietam. After helping win the Battle of Fredericksburg, he achieved a major victory at Chancellorsville. Sadly, that night, Jackson was accidentally shot by his own soldiers. He lost his left arm and died of pneumonia eight days later on May 10, 1863. General Lee mourned his death deeply, saying, “He has lost his left arm, but I have lost my right.” Jackson is buried in Lexington, Virginia.

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