 |
Thomas Jonantan JacksonConfederate Army General
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- The Outbreak of the Civil War
- The Battle of First Bull Run
- The Valley Campaign
- The Seven Days Battle
- The Chancellorsville Campaign
- Death of Stonewall Jackson
Early Life and Career
Thomas Jonathan Jackson was born in Clarksburg, Virginia (now West Virginia) in 1824. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1846, ranking 17th out of 56 cadets. Jackson distinguished himself in the Mexican War under the command of Winfield Scott.
The Outbreak of the Civil War
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Jackson resigned from the U.S. Army and joined the Confederate forces. He was promoted to colonel and placed in command of Virginia troops at the Battle of Harpers Ferry. After General Joseph Johnston replaced him in that role, Jackson was given command of a brigade in Johnston's army and promoted to brigadier general.
The Battle of First Bull Run
In the First Battle of Bull Run, Jackson's brigade held its ground against superior Union forces. General Bernard Bee famously described Jackson's troops as standing "like a stone wall." This earned Jackson the nickname "Stonewall."
The Valley Campaign
In November 1861, Jackson was promoted to major general and sent to command troops in the Shenandoah Valley. His attack on James Shields' division at Kernstown on March 23, 1862, was repulsed, but it delayed Union forces in the valley. In April, Robert E. Lee ordered Jackson to attack Nathaniel Banks' forces in the lower valley, hoping to prevent Irvin McDowell's army from joining George McClellan at Richmond.
Jackson's Valley Campaign was a brilliant success. He first defeated a portion of John Fremont's troops at McDowell on May 8, 1862. Then, returning to the Shenandoah Valley, he pursued Banks from Front Royal and Winchester from May 23-25, driving him across the Potomac River.
The Seven Days Battle
After his triumph in the Valley Campaign, Jackson joined Lee in the Seven Days Battle. While his actions in this campaign were initially disappointing, he soon redeemed himself. His rapid deployment of infantry in the Battle of Cedar Mountain (August 1862) paved the way for a crushing victory in the Second Battle of Bull Run.
The Chancellorsville Campaign
Jackson played a crucial role in the Chancellorsville Campaign. His surprise maneuver on May 2, 1863, shattered the right flank of Joseph Hooker's army.
Death of Stonewall Jackson
On the night of May 2-3, 1863, Jackson was fatally wounded by friendly fire. The Confederacy lost one of its most brilliant generals just one week later.
