Learn About The 50 States
Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson (1824)close
Although Thomas J. Jackson was born before West Virginia became a state, the site was Clarksburg, which is now located in West Virginia. He attended West Point (the US Military Academy) and graduated in 1846, going on to serve in the artillery during the Mexican War. He resigned from the Army to teach at Virginia Military Institute. When Virginia seceded from the Union, Jackson was appointed a colonel in the Virginia state forces. He earned his nickname through his service during the Battle of Bull Run. His greatest effort came at Chancellorsville where he was eventually wounded and had to have his arm amputated. He seemed to be recovering from the amputation, but contracted pneumonia, and died eight days after the injury.
Click on any of the names below to find out more...
Looking for a famous American?
This page presents short biographies of more than 200 famous Americans drawn from our unit, "The 50 States." These personalities are arranged by theme.
Just click a theme at the top of the page to view a selection list for that theme.
African Americans:
Artists:
Business Leaders:
National "Characters":
| Phineas Taylor "P.T." Barnum | Clyde Barrow | John Wilkes Booth |
| Butch Cassidy | William "Buffalo Bill" Cody | Davy Crockett |
| Jesse James | Evel Knievel | Harland David "Colonel" Sanders |
| Jefferson R. "Soapy" Smith |
Cultural Figures:
Inventors:
Pioneers and "Firsts":
Politicians & Activists:
Scientists:
Sports Figures:
Accomplished Women:
Writers & Poets: