Jackson, Thomas Jonathan

Jackson, Thomas Jonathan (1824–63) Confederate general (known as “Stonewall”), born in Clarksburg, Virginia (now West Virginia). Jackson first gained notice with the victory at First Bull Run (1861). During the Shenandoah Valley Campaign (1862), he completely disrupted Federal operations throughout Virginia, bringing hope to the Confederacy. His actions at Second Bull Run (1862) made possible Robert E. Lee's victory and led to his being given corps command, which he performed admirably at Fredericksburg (1862). At Chancellorsville (1863) Jackson, who was pressing the attack after dark, was accidentally shot by his own men and died a few days later from complications of a resulting amputation. Prior to the Civil War, Jackson, a career soldier in the U.S. Army, had been promoted for gallant conduct during the Mexican War (1846–48).

Jackson was a devoted Presbyterian and Calvinist who believed that the more devout side would win the war. Jackson's sobriquet was reputedly given him at First Bull Run by Gen. Barnard E. Bee, who exhorted his faltering troops by shouting: “Look, men! There stands Jackson like a stone wall. Rally behind the Virginians!”