Stonewall Jackson Biography

Thomas Jonathan Jackson, better known as Stonewall Jackson, was a famous ‘Confederate’ general who served during the American Civil War. He was primarily raised by his uncle after both his parents died. He was mostly self-educated due to a paucity of finances. He joined the ‘United States Military Academy’ at West Point and was soon commissioned as a second lieutenant in the ‘1st US Artillery Regiment’ that was deployed in the Mexican–American War. He earned the nickname ‘Stonewall’ at the First Battle of Bull Run, during the American Civil War, when his brigade stood their ground, while the rest of the ‘Confederate’ lines began to crumble. His success is attributed to the strict discipline and the bold manoeuvers with which he surprised and exploited the weaknesses of his adversaries. His first wife died during child birth, and he later married Mary Anna Morrison. They had a daughter, Mary Graham, who died a few days after her birth. Their second daughter was named Julia Laura, after his mother and sister. While returning from the Battle of Chancellorsville, he was fired upon in a case of mistaken identity and received bullet injuries, due to which his left arm had to be amputated. He started showing signs of pneumonia during his treatment and died of complications eight days after he was shot. Stonewall Jackson is considered to be one of the most accomplished generals of the ‘Confederate Army.’ The ‘Stonewall Jackson State Park’ in West Virginia is named after him.