Stonewall Jackson Cause of Death: How a Confederate General Died from Friendly Fire

Who was Stonewall Jackson?

Stonewall Jackson was a famous Confederate general during the American Civil War. He was born on January 21, 1824, in Clarksburg, Virginia (now West Virginia). He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1846 and served in the United States Army during the Mexican–American War. He became a professor at the Virginia Military Institute in 1851 and taught there until 1861, when Virginia seceded from the United States and joined the Confederate States of America. [according to Wikipedia]

How did Stonewall Jackson get his nickname?

Stonewall Jackson earned his nickname at the First Battle of Bull Run (also known as First Manassas) in July 1861, when he commanded a brigade of Virginia troops that held their ground against a Union attack. A fellow Confederate general, Barnard Elliott Bee Jr., reportedly shouted to his men: “There stands Jackson like a stone wall!” The name stuck and became a symbol of Jackson’s courage and determination. [according to History.com]

What were Stonewall Jackson’s achievements?

Stonewall Jackson was one of the most successful and respected commanders in the Confederate army. He led his troops in many battles and campaigns, often outnumbered and outgunned by the enemy. He was known for his bold and aggressive tactics, his rapid marches, and his surprise attacks. Some of his most notable achievements include:

• The Valley Campaign of 1862, when he marched his army around the Shenandoah Valley and defeated three Union armies, diverting their attention from Richmond, the Confederate capital.
• The Seven Days Battles of 1862, when he joined forces with Robert E. Lee and drove back George McClellan’s army from the outskirts of Richmond.
• The Second Battle of Bull Run (also known as Second Manassas) of 1862, when he flanked and routed John Pope’s army, paving the way for Lee’s first invasion of the North.
• The Battle of Antietam (also known as Sharpsburg) of 1862, when he defended the left flank of Lee’s army against repeated Union assaults, resulting in the bloodiest single-day battle in American history.
• The Battle of Fredericksburg of 1862, when he held off a massive Union attack on the right flank of Lee’s army, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy.
• The Battle of Chancellorsville of 1863, when he executed one of his most daring maneuvers, leading his corps on a 12-mile march around the Union right flank and launching a devastating surprise attack that broke the Union line. [according to Wikipedia]

How did Stonewall Jackson die?

Stonewall Jackson’s death was one of the most tragic and ironic events of the Civil War. On May 2, 1863, after his successful flank attack at Chancellorsville, he rode with his staff to scout the enemy position for a possible night assault. As they returned to their own lines, they were mistaken for Union cavalry by some Confederate soldiers who opened fire on them. Jackson was hit by three bullets: two in his left arm and one in his right hand. He was taken to a nearby field hospital, where his left arm was amputated. He seemed to be recovering well until he developed pneumonia. He died on May 10, 1863, at the age of 39. His last words were: “Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees.” [according to History.com]