Stonewall Jackson's arm

Stonewall Jackson's Arm refers to the amputated left arm of Confederate General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, a prominent figure in the American Civil War. The amputation occurred after Jackson was mistakenly shot by his own men at the Battle of Chancellorsville on May 2, 1863. Despite the medical intervention, Jackson died of complications from pneumonia eight days later, on May 10, 1863. The loss of his arm and subsequent death were significant events in the Civil War, symbolizing a turning point for the Confederate Army.

Background

Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson was one of the most skilled and revered generals of the Confederate forces during the American Civil War. His military tactics and leadership contributed significantly to the successes of the Confederacy in the early years of the conflict. The nickname "Stonewall" was bestowed upon him after the First Battle of Bull Run for his unyielding defensive tactics.

The Battle of Chancellorsville

The Battle of Chancellorsville is often cited as General Robert E. Lee's greatest victory, where the Confederate Army defeated a much larger Union force through daring and innovative tactics. During the battle, Jackson executed a successful flanking maneuver that surprised the Union Army. However, the victory came at a great cost. On the night of May 2, while returning to camp, Jackson and his staff were mistaken for a Union cavalry force by their own men, who opened fire.

Amputation and Aftermath

Jackson was hit by three bullets, two in the left arm and one in the right hand. Due to the severity of his injuries, Confederate surgeons performed an amputation of his left arm. Jackson was then moved to a field hospital at the Chandler plantation in the Wilderness of Spotsylvania County. Despite initial hopes for recovery, Jackson developed pneumonia and died on May 10, 1863. His death was a severe blow to the Confederate morale and military leadership.

Burial of the Arm

Jackson's amputated arm was buried by his chaplain, Beverly Tucker Lacy, in the family cemetery of the Lacy's Ellwood Manor, near the battlefield. The site has since become a point of interest and is marked by a stone monument. The rest of Jackson's body was transported to Lexington, Virginia, where he was buried in the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery.

Legacy

The story of Stonewall Jackson's arm has become a part of American Civil War lore, symbolizing the sacrifices and the tragic outcomes of the conflict. The arm's burial site and the general's grave are visited by historians, scholars, and Civil War enthusiasts, reflecting on the complexities and the human cost of the war.