Jackson was nicknamed Square Box and Tom Fool by his young charges at Virginia Military Institute who thought "...his classes too dull, his methods too rigid and his discipline too severe."  It is said that when he was asked for clarification by a student he would simply repeat his statement using the same words and intonation.  His lectures were not lightened by explanations or discussions.  Yet those who survived the carnage of the War Between the States grew old bragging that they were taught natural philosophy or artillery tactics by Old Jack.

The teacher who memorized his lessons standing at his desk in his Lexington home went on to glory by standing firm at Bull Run.  He became known as "Stonewall" after that opening Civil War battle when General Bee spotted Jackson's brigade and cried, "There stands Jackson like a stone wall.  Rally behind the Virginians."

But it is the days Jackson spent in Lexington before the war that are remembered at the Stonewall Jackson House.  A short slide program introduces you to the young, handsome Virginia instructor.  He was a deeply religious and disciplined military man who began each day with a cold bath and a brisk walk around town before his morning devotions.  During the week he taught his classes at VMI.  On Sunday he founded and taught a Sunday School for African American youngsters.  When he left for the war he earmarked part of his pay so that these religious classes could continue.  Jackson regularly contributed a tenth of his income to the Presbyterian Church.

Two years after he arrived in Lexington he married Elinor Junkin, whose father was president of Washington College.  The newlyweds lived on campus with Elinor's parents in what is now called the Lee-Jackson House.  Their life together was brief; she died the following year in childbirth.

In 1857, after three years as a widower, Jackson married Mary Anna Morrison and in 1858 they purchased this house on Washington Street. 

The furnishings you see today are personal possessions and period pieces that match the inventory made following Jackson's tragic death after the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863.  The first room on the tour is the kitchen, which is furnished with a six-burner wood cook-stove.  The Jacksons owned one like it which was valued at $50 on the estate inventory. On a 20-acre farm at the edge of town Jackson, with the help of three slaves, grew much of the food for his table.  He would often supervise the preserving of his crops, keeping an eye on the kitchen slaves and lending a hand to seal jars of tomatoes.

In Jackson's study there is a desk like the one he stood before while memorizing his lessons. In the parlor are a loveseat and two chairs that belonged to the Jacksons.  Representing Jackson's one extravagance is a piano like the one he purchased for Mary Anna for $500.  Even though he was a devout church-goer he was known to occasionally waltz his wife around the parlor.  (He learned to waltz and polka while serving in the Mexican War.)  Jackson's rocking chair is in the bedroom.  An early picture of Jackson reveals just how handsome he was without his beard.  Legend has it that he vowed not to shave until the South was victorious, a story that is suspect as he did carry his shaving kit with him to war. At least one British journalist described him during the war as having "...thin colorless cheeks, with only a very small allowance of whiskers; a cleanly-shaven upper lip and chin..."

The dining room was used every morning and evening for Bible reading and prayers. On Sunday evenings slaves in the neighborhood would join the Jacksons for devotions.  Before ending your visit be sure to view the exhibits that focus on General Jackson, the Civil War era and life in Lexington during its "golden age."

The Stonewall Jackson House, at 8 East Washington Street, is open for guided tours 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.  Monday through Saturday and 1:00 to 4:30 P.M. on Sunday.  During the summer it stays open until 5:30 P.M. Admission is charged. 

To discover other city sites associated with Jackson, stop at the Historic Lexington Visitor Center just down Washington Street at number 106.  You'll realize that this is a town with character when you read the historic plaque on the house next to Jackson's. It reads:

 Directions:  From I-95 in the Richmond area, take I-64 west.  At Staunton head south on either I-81 or Route 11.  From I-81 take Exit 188B, then follow the signs to Lexington’s visitor center.  If you are on Route 11 it will divide and you should take Main Street, not Route 11 By-Pass.  From Main Street, turn left on Washington Street for the Stonewall Jackson House.