4 - ”Stonewall” - Part 01

About this episode: 

“Stonewall” Jackson would’ve been the perfect protagonist for Greek or Shakespearean tragedy; a commanding officer struck down only hours after his greatest tactical success. An officer and man who saw life in the most simplistic terms, he was modest and impeccably honest. Interestingly, he was a study in contrasts: complex yet predictable, ambitious yet humble, wrathful then righteous.

Yet, for all his quirks and eccentric habits, he was, as Douglas MacArthur noted, “…one of the most remarkable soldiers we have ever known. His mastery of two of the greatest elements of victory in war, surprise and envelopment, never has been surpassed.” Yes, an avalanche from an unexpected quarter, a thunderbolt from a clear sky, this is Part 01 of the remarkable life and career of Thomas Jonathan Jackson. He needs no introduction other than simply, “Stonewall.”

Some Characters Mentioned In This Episode: 

"Stonewall" Jackson

Samuel Hays

Winfield Scott

William H. French

Elinor "Ellie" Junkin

Anna Morrison

Jefferson Davis

 

Other References From This Episode

United States Military Academy: West Point

Shenandoah Valley Battlefields

 

Great Resources To Check Out: 

James I. Robertson, Jr.'s Stonewall Jackson: The Man, The Soldier, The Legend. 

S.C. Gwynne's Rebel Yell: The Violence, Passion, and Redemption of Stonewall Jackson

 

Get The Guide:

Want to learn more about the Civil War? A great place to start is Fred's guide, The Civil War: A History of the War between the States from Workman Publishing. The guide is in its 9th printing.

 

**Title Image by John Adams Elder

Producer: Dan Irving