Stonewall_Jackson

STONEWALL JACKSON Born Thomas Jonathan Jackson on January 21, 1824 in Clarksburg Va. This is now part of West Virginia. Jackson’s father died when he was 3 years old. Jackson’s mother remarried but 4 years later she died. At age 7 Thomas Jackson was a orphan. Jackson went to live with his aunt Polly (his father’s sister) and her husband Isaac Brake. In July of 1842 Thomas Jackson went to the military academy at West Point. Jackson graduated from West Point in 1846. Jackson worked hard at the academy for four years. Jackson had a poor education as a child despite this Jackson graduated 17th out of a class of 56. In 1846 Jackson started his military career with the United States Army. Jackson a 2nd LT was sent to Mexico to fight in the war. Jackson served in the artillery during the Mexican war. Jackson served with distinction advancing to the rank of Major. In 1852 Jackson resigned from the United State Army to teach at the Virginia military academy. Jackson became a professor of military tactics at the Virginia military academy in Lexington Virginia. The civil war Jackson offered his services to the state of Virginia, when war was declared against Virginia. Jackson believing that his first and highest loyalty was to his native state. Jackson was commissioned a colonel in the Virginia forces and dispatched to Harpers Ferry to organize raw recruits. During the first battle of Manassas also called Bull Run is where Jackson assumed his nickname. Brigadier General Barnard Bee stated “There is Jackson standing like a stonewall”. The nickname stayed with Jackson. Jackson was promoted to Brigadier General, Major General and LT. General was very rapid. Jackson’s fame as a soldier rest largely on what is known as the valley campaign. Jackson defeated Fremont’s advance at McDowell. Jackson won victories at Front Royal, Winchester, Port Republic, Cross Key and Cedar Mountain. Jackson himself said that Cedar Mountain was his greatest victory. In 1863 at the battle of Chancellorsville Jackson was returning from reconnoitering that night to his own line Jackson was wounded on May 2 by friendly fire. General Lee had General Jackson taken to Guinea station. At Guinea station Jackson’s arm had to be amputated. Jackson’s arm was taken and buried at Guinea station. General Jackson died on May 10 1863 from pneumonia. Jackson’s body was taken to Richman Va. General Jackson was laid to rest at Lexington Va. his coffin rapped in a confederate flag.