Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson is one of the most revered and enigmatic figures in American Civil War history. Known for his audacious and effective flanking maneuvers, Jackson’s military prowess had a profound impact on the Confederacy’s strategic operations. His tactical brilliance, coupled with a steadfast resolve, made him a formidable opponent and a key figure in many Confederate victories.
Early Life and Career
Thomas Jonathan Jackson was born on January 21, 1824, in Clarksburg, Virginia (now West Virginia). Orphaned at a young age, Jackson’s early life was marked by hardship and instability. Despite these challenges, he secured an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1846, 17th in his class. His service in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) earned him a reputation for bravery and competence, laying the groundwork for his future military career.
Following his service in Mexico, Jackson spent ten years as an instructor at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in Lexington, Virginia. His tenure at VMI was characterized by a strict adherence to discipline and a devout Christian faith, traits that would later define his leadership style in the Civil War.
The Outbreak of the Civil War
When Virginia seceded from the Union in April 1861, Jackson, a loyal Virginian, resigned his commission in the U.S. Army and joined the Confederate Army. He was quickly appointed as a colonel and soon promoted to brigadier general. Jackson’s initial command was the brigade of Virginia volunteers, which would become famously known as the “Stonewall Brigade.”
The First Battle of Bull Run
Jackson’s rise to prominence began at the First Battle of Bull Run (Manassas) on July 21, 1861. During the battle, Union forces initially had the upper hand, but Jackson’s steadfast defense became a turning point. As Union troops advanced, Brigadier General Barnard E. Bee, in an attempt to rally his men, pointed to Jackson and shouted, “There is Jackson standing like a stone wall!” This act of resolve and determination earned Jackson the moniker “Stonewall,” and his brigade played a crucial role in the Confederate victory.
The Valley Campaign
Jackson’s Valley Campaign in the spring of 1862 is considered one of the most brilliant military operations in the history of the Civil War. Operating in the Shenandoah Valley, Jackson faced multiple Union armies with a much smaller force. His strategic use of speed, deception, and the terrain allowed him to achieve a series of victories against superior numbers, effectively tying down significant Union forces that were intended to reinforce the Peninsula Campaign against Richmond.
Key battles in the Valley Campaign included:
- Battle of Kernstown (March 23, 1862): Although technically a Union victory, Jackson’s aggressive actions confused and alarmed Union commanders, leading them to overestimate his strength.
- Battle of McDowell (May 8, 1862): Jackson successfully repelled Union forces under Major General Robert H. Milroy, securing the valley’s western entrance.
- Battles of Front Royal and Winchester (May 23 and 25, 1862): Jackson’s rapid movements and surprise attacks led to decisive Confederate victories, further demoralizing and confusing Union forces.
- Battle of Cross Keys and Port Republic (June 8-9, 1862): Jackson defeated two separate Union armies, ensuring Confederate control of the Shenandoah Valley.
The Seven Days Battles
Jackson’s performance in the Seven Days Battles (June 25 – July 1, 1862), part of the Peninsula Campaign, was less stellar compared to his Valley Campaign. Assigned to support General Robert E. Lee in defending Richmond against Major General George B. McClellan’s Army of the Potomac, Jackson’s troops were delayed, contributing to some disjointed Confederate attacks. Despite this, Jackson’s presence helped bolster Confederate morale, and the Seven Days Battles ultimately ended with the Union retreating, saving Richmond from capture.
The Second Battle of Bull Run
Jackson redeemed himself at the Second Battle of Bull Run (August 28-30, 1862), where his tactical genius was on full display. Jackson executed a wide-ranging flanking maneuver, seizing the Union supply depot at Manassas Junction. This action forced Union Major General John Pope into a hurried pursuit. Jackson then skillfully withdrew his forces to a defensive position on Stony Ridge, where they endured repeated Union attacks until reinforcements under General James Longstreet arrived. The coordinated Confederate counterattack routed the Union army, marking a significant Confederate victory.
The Maryland Campaign and the Battle of Antietam
In September 1862, Jackson played a pivotal role in the Maryland Campaign. His most notable achievement was the capture of Harpers Ferry, where he forced the surrender of a 12,000-strong Union garrison, the largest surrender of U.S. forces during the Civil War. This victory secured Lee’s rear and provided critical supplies.
At the Battle of Antietam (September 17, 1862), Jackson’s troops held the left flank of the Confederate line in some of the most intense fighting of the war. Although the battle ended inconclusively, with no clear victor, it halted Lee’s invasion of the North and gave President Abraham Lincoln the opportunity to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.
The Battle of Fredericksburg
Jackson’s role at the Battle of Fredericksburg (December 11-15, 1862) further cemented his reputation. Commanding the Confederate right wing, Jackson’s forces were instrumental in repelling repeated Union assaults against well-fortified positions. The Union suffered heavy casualties, and the battle ended in a decisive Confederate victory, bolstering Southern morale.
The Battle of Chancellorsville
The Battle of Chancellorsville (April 30 – May 6, 1863) is often regarded as Jackson’s finest hour and a testament to his mastery of flanking maneuvers. Facing a numerically superior Union army under Major General Joseph Hooker, Lee and Jackson devised a daring plan to divide their forces in the face of the enemy.
On May 2, Jackson led a 12-mile flanking march through dense wilderness, striking the Union right flank in a surprise attack. The devastating assault routed the Union XI Corps, creating chaos and confusion within the Union ranks. Jackson’s attack, however, came at a high cost. That evening, while scouting ahead of his lines, Jackson was mistakenly shot by his own troops. His left arm was amputated, and he succumbed to pneumonia on May 10, 1863.
Legacy
Stonewall Jackson’s death was a severe blow to the Confederate cause. General Robert E. Lee reportedly said, “I have lost my right arm,” highlighting Jackson’s importance to the Confederate war effort. Jackson’s tactical genius, particularly his use of flanking maneuvers, left an indelible mark on military history.
Jackson’s legacy is complex. He is remembered for his military brilliance and his unwavering commitment to the Confederate cause. However, his association with the Confederacy and its defense of slavery has also made him a controversial figure. Modern perspectives on Jackson reflect a broader reassessment of Civil War figures and their roles in a conflict that defined the United States.