Thomas Jonathan Jackson lived in Lexington from 1851-1861, while he was a professor of Natural Philosophy and an instructor of artillery tactics at the Virginia Military Institute. During that decade Jackson joined the Lexington Presbyterian church, married, bought the only home he ever owned, and lived quietly as a private citizen.
In April, 1861, Jackson rode off to war. He never returned to Lexington alive. Following the first battle of Manassas, T.J. Jackson became widely known by the nickname "Stonewall". Jackson earned lasting fame for his leadership of Confederate forces, especially during the Valley campaign of 1862. "Stonewall" Jackson died in May, 1863, as a result of wounds received at Chancellorsville. His body was brought back for burial in the cemetery on the south edge of town. |
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Since 1954, Jackson's Lexington home, located a block east of Main Street, has been a museum and historic site. In 1979 the house was carefully restored to its appearance at the time of the Jacksons' occupancy. The house, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, is furnished with period pieces, including many of Jackson's personal possessions, and is open to the public daily for guided tours of the period rooms.
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We would like to invite you to visit Jackson's home and garden, tour the community he loved and visit the cemetery in which he is buried. We look forward to your visit.
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