UtenteStonewall_Jackson

The personal bookcase of Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson sits empty in a gallery at the Virginia Historical Society; his books no longer grace the shelves. They are preserved in the rare book room alongside the volumes of other famous Virginians. The bookcase and contents were given by Jackson’s grandson, Lt. Col. Thomas Jonathan Jackson Christian, to the Confederate Memorial Association. In a letter from Christian to the Association’s president, Douglas Southall Freeman, dated 18 July 1938, the colonel states, “I believe that every one of Gen. Jackson’s books was shipped with the exception of four—two of each which my two children desired.” (Mss3 C7602 a FA1) It is these titles that the volunteers and staff at the Virginia Historical Society will be entering as Stonewall Jackson’s library.

The Virginia Historical Society merged with the Confederate Memorial Association and moved into their headquarters, Battle Abbey, in 1946.

Thomas Jonathan Jackson (21 January 1824–10 May 1863) earned his moniker, Stonewall, for his bold stand at the battle of First Manassas, saving the Confederacy from defeat in the first major engagement of the Civil War. Jackson was born and raised in western Virginia, and his military career, like many future Civil War generals, began at the U.S. Military Academy. Graduating in 1846, he entered the Mexican War, earning promotions and commendations for gallant conduct at Vera Cruz and Chapultepec. Jackson resigned his commission in 1851 to become professor of optics and artillery tactics at the Virginia Military Institute. It was during this time in Lexington, Virginia, that he became a devout Presbyterian. Jackson’s books reflect his brilliant tactical mind and deep spiritual faith.

When Virginia left the Union in April of 1861, Jackson offered his services to his state. Jackson conducted the brilliant Shenandoah Valley Campaign in 1862 against numerically superior Union forces. His successes in later battles prompted General Lee to acknowledge him as “my right arm.” Stonewall Jackson was mortally wounded by friendly fire at the battle of Chancellorsville, sending a crippling blow to the Confederacy.