Thomas J. ("Stonewall") Jackson

Before the Civil War erupted, Thomas Jonathon Jackson was a professor at VMI (Virginia Military Institute).  He and Anna (his second wife) lived in Lexington, and Thomas considered Virginia to be “my country.”

When war began, Jackson viewed the conflict as the South’s “second war of independence.”  There never was any question which side had his loyalties.  When he was summoned to active duty, he fought for the Confederacy.

In this clip, from Gods and Generals - a movie which revolves around Jackson - Thomas (who did not yet have his famous nickname) leaves the classroom (where he never excelled) for the battlefield (where he had few equals).

Credits

Clip from Gods and Generals (2003):

Directed by:  Ronald F. Maxwell

Book by:  Jeff Shaara

Screenplay by:  Ronald F. Maxwell

Release Date:  21 February 2003 (U.S.)

Stephen Lang as Lt. Gen. Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson

Robert Duvall as Gen. Robert E. Lee

Kali Rocha as Anna Morrison Jackson