Jackson, ‘Stonewall’ (Thomas Jonathan) (1824–1863)

US Confederate general in the American Civil War. He acquired his nickname and his reputation at the Battle of Bull Run, from the firmness with which his brigade resisted the Northern attack. In 1862 he organized the Shenandoah Valley campaign and assisted Robert E Lee's invasion of Maryland. He helped to defeat General Joseph E Hooker's Union army at the battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia, but was fatally wounded by one of his own soldiers in the confusion of battle.

Born in Harrison County, Virginia, he was educated at West Point. After serving with distinction in the Mexican War 1846–48, he resigned his commission and became professor of military tactics at the Virginia military institute.