Stonewall Jackson

"Stonewall Jackson" the online resource I read, spoke of one the most highly regarded generals of the Civil War, Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. "No war has produced a military celebrity more remarkable, nor one whose fame will be more enduring" the article claimed. Thomas Jackson started out with a humble childhood, loosing both his parents and was raised by his uncle. He was a boyhood leader and a very diligent learner though his mind was slow to develop. In June 1842, when he was eighteen years old, he was appointed to a cadet-ship in the military academy at West Point. He graduated June 30, 1846, receiving brevet rank as second lieutenant at the beginning of the Mexican War, and was ordered to report for duty with the First Regular artillery, with which he shared in the many brilliant battles which General Winfield Scott fought from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico. In the outbreak of the Civil War in early 1861, Jackson sided with his home state of Virginia and served the Confederacy. At the battle of First Manassas, General Jackson was given the name "Stonewall" because he remained steady and calm although bullets were flying past him. General Jackson's most memorable campaign was in Chancellorsville where he drove the Union Troops back. Sadly, he died that very night in a friendly fire incident in 1863.

General Jackson has always been a man I have had tremendous respect for. He was a man of extreme bravery and dedication to his Christian values. Not only was he a superb general, but also a devoted christian and family man. General Jackson was one of the major reasons the Confederacy made such strides against the Union during his life. General Jackson will forever be regarded as one of the most brilliant military strategist that ever lived. He will also be remembered as one of the greatest generals in the Civil War.

"Stonewall Jackson." Son of the South. 2003-2008. Web. 21 Apr 2010.
http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/Stonewall_Jackson.htm