Thomas J. Jackson (1824-1863), better known as Stonewall Jackson, was one of the most famous Confederate generals of the American Civil War (1861-1865). A veteran of the Mexican-American War and a former VMI instructor, he joined the Confederate army in 1861 and rose to prominence in his Shenandoah Valley Campaign (March to June 1862). He became the right-hand man of General Robert E. Lee (1807-1870) and led the Second Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia, which included his celebrated 'Stonewall Brigade'. On 2 May 1863, Jackson was wounded by friendly fire during the Battle of Chancellorsville and died of pneumonia eight days later. His loss was greatly lamented across the South.
More about: Stonewall JacksonDefinition
Timeline
-
21 Jan 1824Thomas Jonathan Jackson is born in Clarksburg, Virginia (now West Virginia).
-
Jun 1846T. J. Jackson graduates 17th in his West Point class of 59, is commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the 1st US Artillery Regiment.
-
1851Thomas J. Jackson begins teaching at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI).
-
21 Jul 1861Jackson plays a major role in the Battle of First Manassas, earns his famous sobriquet 'Stonewall'.
-
Mar 1862 - Jun 1862Stonewall Jackson wages his famous Shenandoah Valley Campaign; his troops march 646 miles in 48 days, winning several battles against much larger Union armies.
-
28 Aug 1862Stonewall Jackson lures Union Gen. John Pope to Manassas Junction, beginning the Battle of Second Manassas.
-
11 Dec 1862 - 15 Dec 1862Stonewall Jackson's corps holds the right flank of the Confederate line at the Battle of Fredericksburg.
-
2 May 1863Stonewall Jackson leads a brilliant flanking maneuver at the Battle of Chancellorsville but is wounded by friendly fire in the evening.
-
10 May 1863Stonewall Jackson dies of pneumonia after the amputation of his arm, at the age of 39.
