The Last Days of Stonewall Jackson: The Mortal Wounding of the Confederacy's Greatest Icon

Emerging Civil War

by Chris Mackowski, Kristopher D. White

An exhaustive look at the final hours of the Confederacy’s most audacious general.   May 1863. The Civil War was in its third spring, and Confederate Lt. Gen. Thomas Jonathan Jackson stood at the peak of his fame. He had risen from obscurity to become “Old Stonewall,” adored across the South and feared and respected throughout the North. On the night of May 2, however, just hours after Jackson executed the most audacious maneuver of his career and delivered a crushing blow against an unsuspecting Union army at Chancellorsville, disaster struck.  The Last Days of Stonewall Jackson recounts the events of that fateful night—considered one of the most pivotal moments of the war—and the tense vigil that ensued as Jackson struggled with a foe even he could not defeat. From Guinea Station, where Jackson crosses the river to rest under the shade of the trees, the story follows Jackson’s funeral and burial, the strange story of his amputated arm, and the creation and restoration of the building where he died (now known as the Stonewall Jackson Shrine). This newly revised and expanded second edition features more than 50 pages of fresh material, including almost 200 illustrations, maps, and eye-catching photos.   New appendices allow readers to walk in Jackson’s prewar footsteps through his adopted hometown of Lexington, Virginia; consider the ways Jackson’s memory has been preserved through monuments, memorials, and myths; and explore the misconceptions behind the Civil War’s great “What if Stonewall had survived his wounds?”   With the engaging prose of master storytellers, Chris Mackowski and Kristopher D. White make The Last Days of Stonewall Jackson a must-read for Civil War novices and buffs alike.  

Genres: Civil War, History, Biography, Nonfiction, War

339 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Pat Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would say this book is much better than many of the highly researched tomes written about General Thomas Jonathan (Stonewall) Jackson. I really appreciated the day to day detail of the book leading up to the actually wounding of the general at Chancellorsville. Also, the subsequent action taken after Jackson was wounded.

Also, one of the appendices in the book outlines a “what if” discussion. Would the South fared better at Gettysburg? Would the outcome of the war been any different? The authors do a commendable, and fair, job of laying out the realities of the war and any changes to the outcome that might have been.

If you’re interested in General Jackson, or a Civil War buff, I highly recommend this well done volume.

[Peter Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read about LT. GEN "Stonewall" Thomas Jonathan Jackson; IMO the most strategic Commander of any Army within the last 200 years. This great read takes you through his last days of life and further explains how he became recognized by both the Northern and Southern Army's of the United States as one of our best Commanders to ever lead Soldiers.

[W Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another solid entry by Emerging Civil War. While it follows Jackson from his wounding through his burial, it also includes chapters on his memorialization and how he is remembered. A very good book.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

good, concise book

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Also of particular interest is Chris Mackowski and Kristopher D. White's The Last Days of Stonewall Jackson: The Mortal Wounding of the Confederacy's Greatest Icon part of Savas Beatie's engaging "Emerging Civil War Series." While as not as in-depth as Dr. Lively's book, Mackowski and White's study is still an engaging read and deserves a place on the shelf of every reader fascinated by the Civil War. Of particular note is the differing interpretations of the number of times Jackson fell from his stretcher--clearly the debate is still being waged. Where The Last Days of Stonewall stood out for me was the covering of the history of Fairfield Plantation and the Chandler family which called the place home. The appendices at the end are of particular note with thoughtful essays on Jackson's legacy and the history of the markers commemorating Jackson's wounding and amputated arm.

[Sarah Bierle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book detailing the final battle and days of "Stonewall" Jackson's life and his continuing legacy. This is not intended to be a comprehensive book about the general's life or the Battle of Chancellorsville, but it thoroughly covers the topic it addresses.

The text is easy to read and there are many photographs and illustrations throughout the book. I especially enjoyed the short essays in the appendix, discussing staff officers, Jackson's pre-war life, and myths.

Highly recommended for Civil War history buffs or researchers looking for a details account of Jackson's role at Chancellorsville, his medical care, death, and legacy.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good historical read of the last days of Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson. It provides very good historical reference and context to his death. Lastly, it gives a personal touch when it includes varies quotes from Stonewall, Mrs. Jackson, and his officers/doctors.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief, well-illustrated accounting of Jackson's last days. Not as in-depth as Calamity at Chancellorsville, released at the same time by the same publisher.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Answers great historical questions and provides great detail of Jackson and his death. Really enjoyed the book!

[Jen McConnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lively and engaging book on a subject I didn't have much interest in - until I read this book.