A Brief History
On May 2, 1863, the Confederate States of America lost their best or second best general, because they shot him!
Digging Deeper
The not so United States engaged in a titanic Civil War between the Federal Government (Union) and the secessionist Confederate (Southern) states.
At the battle of Chancellorsville General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson was reentering his own lines when pickets (sentries) mistook him for a “yankee” and shot him in the arm. Jackson’s arm had to be amputated, and as so often in those days, pneumonia set in and Jackson died 8 days later, robbing Robert E. Lee of his most trusted subordinate.
Another fact: Although for a time Jackson owned 6 slaves, he was held in high esteem by African-Americans for his loving care and consideration. There were even instances when slaves actually asked Jackson to buy them! Jackson sent his slaves away during the war and does not appear to have been particularly fond of the institution, although he was no abolitionist either.
Yet another aspect: The horse Jackson rode throughout the war was an unimpressive one captured from the Yankees. “Little Sorrel” or “Old Sorrel” was buried near a Jackson monument at VMI and his hide was mounted and is on display there.
It has been theorized by military historians that Lee’s forces could have won at Gettysburg had Jackson survived to provide his leadership and understanding of Lee’s intention, something that was lost on some of the other Confederate commanders. A US Navy submarine was named after Jackson, as was a World War II Liberty ship and the British version of the M36 Tank Destroyer.
Jackson’s history just keeps coming! In 1921 during field training the great Marine, Gen. Smedley Butler (2 Medals of Honor) was told Jackson’s arm was buried on the field, which Butler disbelieved. Butler had the wooden box dug up and sure enough, there was Jackson’s amputated arm. Butler had the arm encased in a metal box and reburied with a plaque on the stone marker. Oh, and Jackson’s picture appeared on the 1864 confederate $500 bill.
This great old soldier is gone but not forgotten, depicted in many books and films. Jackson’s experience with “friendly fire” confirms the military saying, “There is no such thing as friendly fire.”
Question for students (and subscribers): Have you ever known anyone killed by friendly fire? Please let us know in the comments section below this article.
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Henderson, G. F. R. Stonewall Jackson and the American Civil War. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2012.
Robertson, James. Stonewall Jackson. Macmillan Pub., 1997.
Robertson Jr., James. Stonewall Jackson’s Book of Maxims. Cumberland House, 2005.
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="2023 http://www.crackedhistory.com/?p=2023">44 Comments
Very interesting facts
This was interesting. I did not know that Jackson died by friendly fire. I am curious as to what would have happened and what he could have accomplished had he survived.
I was not aware that Jackson’s death occurred from a mistaken shooting. I did find it a bit ridiculous that slaves supposedly asked Jackson to buy them.
I did not know Jackson was accidentally but he was a very memorable man.
AM
It’s interesting that there were instances when slaves actually asked Jackson to buy them because he treated his slaves so well.
Jackson lived a very interesting life. I knew he was shot my his own army, but I never knew that the wound didn’t kill him, pneumonia did. I also find it interesting that his arm was actually buried on the battlefield, and that someone cared enough to dig it up 50 years later. A very impressive man, even if he did fight on the losing side.
N.W.
I never knew that Jackson’s horse had just been captured from the Union, so funny! GW
The death of Stonewall seemed to be pretty devastating for Lee. It could even be a big influence on why the Confederates ended up losing the war. Also friendly fire? Shame.
I’ve heard of this before and I find it so interesting that he was shot by his own army. I also find it interesting that it wasn’t the actual bullet that killed him, but the disease he got while recovering
I never knew that Jacksons horse was buried next to him. I find it interesting though how interesting a life Jackson lived.
It was not a good ending for someone of his status but the worst part is that he didn’t die in the battle but afterwards from pneumonia
I think that it’s interesting that slaves wanted to be bought by Jackson. Even though he was highly praised, I think that it’s unusual that people would actually want to be in slavery. I realize that Jackson was highly respected, but I still find that unusual.
Jackson seemed to be an interesting general to say the least. It really does make you wonder how the outcome of Gettysburg could have been different with Jackson present.
i think it is interesting that he was buried next to his horse
If General Jackson wasn’t shot by his own men he may have
been able to give the Confederacy a better chance at winning the Civil War.
I really liked the part where it stated that Jackson was so well-respected by slaves. That is a major compliment for slaves to want to be bought by him. I think it says a lot about his character. On the other hand, it is terrible to be shot by your own men! I wonder what he would have been able to do for the Confederacy if he did not die so early.
Jackson seemed like a great man that was respected by everyone. I do not believe it was a common phenomenon for slaves to beg someone to buy them… The way his life ended was really unfortunate! The person who accidentally shot him must have felt guilty. I wonder if he would have survived after the shooting if pneumonia had not set it.
I think that its really sad that he was shot by his own men. I have to wonder though if the complications after the amputation were a result of his other physical ailments and heath complications. It also makes me wonder what would have happened to the war and to battles such as Gettysburg if he had survived his injury.
It is crazy to think that he could have had Asperger Syndrome and not even known because the medical field was not as developed as it is now. I wonder if people with these conditions that were not diagnosed back then coped with their disorders. I can see why slaves would have been bought by him. If he treated them well, i am sure they just wanted him over the other slaveowner that might buy and torture him as he would not have done.
Jackson sounds like an interesting character. I can’t believe his amputated arm was dug up in a field! It’s also hard to believe that amputation was a common solution to wounds during that time. Wouldn’t they had known amputation would be even worse?! Anyways, it’s interesting to here that Jackson may have had Asperger’s syndrome.
Quite ironic that “Stonewall” Jackson had to get his arm amputated and Robert E. Lee called Jackson his “right arm”. It is a shame that Jackson died from his own men. He was loved by so many even including his slaves who the slaves wanted to be owned by Jackson.
Losing Jackson must have been a crushing blow for Lee and the Confederates. Jackson sounds like a great general who could have helped the Confederates to victory. Unfortunately for both Jackson and the Confederates, their own men shot Jackson and he eventually developed pneumonia and died.
Not surprised that the Confederates made this big of a mistake.
That is a great honor for Jackson to be viewed as Lee’s right hand man. He sounds like he was a tremendous leader. I respect that he held strong relationships with his slave. For an African American slave to ask you to buy them you must really have a great reputation among slaves and slave owners.
No slaves wanted to be bought but obviously if slaves were being bought and they were asking Jackson to buy them is good to hear because obviously at that time not many people treated their slaves well. But the fact the rebels mistakenly shot their general is kind of pathetic.
It is unfortunate that during a war when fighting against a foreseen enemy you end up being shot by your own forces. Jackson seems to have had a great reputation among multiple groups of people. not only was he revered by the Confederate Army and Lee himself, but he was also liked by many slaves even though he had some of his own.
It is crazy to think the confederates eliminated one of their best resources. While the man did fight for the south it seems as he was somewhat of a legendary warrior and person.
Maybe Jackson should have been wearing something more distinctive to let his men know who he was. It is so interesting that Jackson was a hypochondriac and that he thought one of his arms was longer than the other.
Quite ironic but sad the “Stonewall” Jackson was shot by his own men during war. What a great general to go down in such a weird way. It was interesting to read that Jackson’s slaves liked him and was held in high esteem for his love and care. I never knew that.
Jackson seems like he may be one of the most respected Confederates. He was a man well liked by everyone, including his slaves! Had he survived during the entire war maybe things would have turned out different for the Confederacy.
It seems that the Confederate army, especially commander Lee, had some weird and unfortunate issues while battling. The death of Stonewall must have been a blow to the Confederate side, and is probably one of the major reasons why the Union won the war.
This is an unfortunate death for Jackson. It is sad that his troops mistaken him for the enemy and shot him. What makes it worse is that he caught pneumonia and died shortly after.
I couldn’t imagine how horrible it much have felt to mistake your own general for an enemy. Definitely something that probably stayed with that soldier forever.
This seems to be another careless mistake made by the Confederates. Lee’s forces could have probably won at Gettysburg if Jackson had still been alive. The Confederate soldiers should have had a more distinct uniform, setting their men apart from the rest, so mistakes like this did not happen.
Stonewall Jackson seemed to be one of the most respected Confederates there is, at home and abroad. It is a shame how the Confederates really seemed to mess it up by killing him. They events of war would have turned out completely differently had he survived.
jacksons death seemed very detrimental during these times, especially since the Confederate States of America killed one of their own!
This is just another big mistake by the Confederates! I would not want to the person who accidentally did this. Its sad for such a great general to go down like this!
It baffles me that Jackson would agree to be general in the fight to continue slavery when he himself was not fond of the institution.
What a horrible way for such a good general to go down. Can’t imagine how this mistake affected the Confederates
I always remember learning about Stonewell Jackson in history classes. But now I was able to learn some cool new details that were left out, such as his possible health problems, owning of slaves, and the remain of his arm!
I find it most interesting that there was a $500 bill!
I didn’t realize that Stonewall Jackson was shot my his own men. Although sad, it was fortunate for the Union! Interesting that his arm was dug up and reburied.
I feel like this was a huge game changer for the North, and the outcome could have been in the South’s favor if it wasn’t for the killing of Stonewall Jackson.
This event was significant in the outcome in the civil war because many historians believe that the battle of Gettysburg would have been won with Stonewall Jackson under Lee.