Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson brought to life using AI

Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson (January 21, 1824 – May 10, 1863) was a Confederate general and military officer who played an important role during the American Civil War. He participated in nearly all the military engagements in the eastern theater of the war until his untimely passing. Military historians consider him one of the most skilled tactical commanders in U.S. history. Born in what was then Virginia (now West Virginia), Jackson received an appointment to the United States Military Academy, graduating with the class of 1846. He served in the United States Army during the Mexican–American War, where he gained recognition at the Battle of Chapultepec. From 1851 to 1861, he was a professor at the Virginia Military Institute. After Virginia seceded from the United States in May 1861, following the Battle of Fort Sumter, Jackson joined the Confederate States Army. He made a significant impact by commanding a brigade at the First Battle of Bull Run in July, where he provided crucial reinforcements and successfully repelled a strong Union assault. This earned him the nickname "Stonewall," thanks to Barnard Elliott Bee Jr.'s comparison. Jackson continued to excel in several campaigns over the next two years. Tragically, on May 2, 1863, he was accidentally shot by Confederate pickets and had to undergo amputation of his left arm. Unfortunately, weakened by his injuries, he passed away from pneumonia just eight days later.