Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson

Lieutenant General, CSA

Born: January 21, 1824 · Clarksburg, Virginia (now West Virginia)

Died: May 10, 1863 · Guinea Station, Virginia

Height: 6'0"

Weight: ~175 lbs

Education: U.S. Military Academy, West Point (Class of 1846 — entered barely literate, graduated 17th of 59 through sheer determination)

Pre-war: U.S. Army officer (Mexican-American War); Professor of Natural Philosophy and Artillery at VMI

"Never take counsel of your fears."

Biography

Lee's most indispensable subordinate and one of the most brilliant tactical commanders of the war. Jackson's Valley Campaign of 1862 tied down Union forces with a small force, and his flank march at Chancellorsville was a masterpiece. He was mortally wounded by his own men in the darkness at Chancellorsville — a loss Lee called irreplaceable.

Did you know?

Refused to eat black pepper because he believed it weakened his left leg; often rode into battle sucking on lemons. Was deeply religious and would not read letters or fight on Sundays if he could avoid it.

Key Battles

First Battle of Bull Run

Confederacy victory

July 21, 1861 · 4,878 total casualties

Shattered Northern hopes for a quick war. Stonewall Jackson earned his famous nickname here. Lincoln replaced McDowell with McClellan.

Battle of Chancellorsville

Confederacy victory

May 1–6, 1863 · 30,764 total casualties

Lee's masterpiece — but the death of Stonewall Jackson was an irreplaceable loss for the Confederacy. Lee called it losing his right arm.

Life Journey

Timeline

January 21, 1824

🌅 Birth

Born in Clarksburg, Virginia (now West Virginia)

1842–1846

📚 Education

West Point — entered barely literate, graduated 17th through determination

1851–1861

📍 Posting

Professor at Virginia Military Institute, Lexington

July 21, 1861

⚔️ Battle

First Bull Run — earns 'Stonewall' nickname

May 2, 1863

✝️ Death

Shot by own troops at Chancellorsville; arm amputated