Thomas J “Stonewall” Jackson is one of the most famous American Generals of all time. Although he got his fame by fighting for the South in the American Civil War. He was very religious and thought to be a bit odd at times by his men. He was an 1846 graduated of the Military Academy (West Point) and a former professor at the Virginia Military Academy.
Thomas Jackson is most known as being called “Stonewall Jackson” but he had several other nicknames as well. These included “Old Jack”, “Old Blue Light” and “Tom Fool”. He was regarded as a bit odd by some of his fellow officers and men. He didn’t like to fight on Sunday’s but would. He also wore old clothes and shunned fancy uniforms. He thought one of his arms was longer than the other, and would hold it up in the air to equalize the blood circulation.
But “Stonewall” Jackson was also a brilliant military strategist, and some of his campaigns are even being used as examples in military teaching even today!. As a general in the army of Northern Virginia, he served under General Robert E Lee.
Jackson had great campaigns at both Bull Run battles, Antietnam and at Fredericksburg. It was at First Bull Run that he got the name “Stonewall Jackson”. Confederate troops were beginning to break and run. Jackson’s troops refused to fall back and he and they held their ground. Upon seeing this Brig. Gen Barnett Elliott Bee exclaimed to his men “”There is Jackson standing like a stone wall. Let us determine to die here, and we will conquer. Follow me”. He was promptly shot and killed moments after uttering those words but the quote lived on. After the battle Jackson’s brigade became known as the Stonewall Brigade.
Stonewall Jackson became know for defeating larger armies, by out marching, out-thinking and outfighting them. Union troops who would have had other missions were tied up trying to catch and destroy Jackson’s troops. And when they did catch him, they usually got whipped by the out numbered and lesser supplied Southern Soldiers.
At the battle of Chancellorsville Jackson was sent on a daring flanking maneuver by Lee. It was very successful against Union General Hooker. While returning to his camp in the dark, Jackson’s party was mistaken for Union Troops. A group of North Carolinians opened fire and shot Jackson 3 times.
Stonewall Jackson had his left arm removed due to the wounds, and then was thought to be recovering. However he got pneumonia from his wounds, and died on May 10, 1863, 8 days after being shot. When he learned of Jackson’s wounds, General Robert E Lee was quoted as saying “Jackson has lost his left arm, but I have lost my right”.
To this day Jackson is revered in parts of the South as a hero. And I think if he had lived the South may even have won the war. I do admit that is a bit far-fetched however as the full industrial might of the North was hard to beat. Thanks for reading this article about “Stonewall Jackson”, on associatedcontent.com.
