“There is Jackson standing like a stone wall. Let us determine to die here, and we will conquer. Rally behind the Virginians!”

• Barnard Elliott Bee Jr.

Among the great generals of the Confederacy, there is perhaps none more well-known and hallowed in history after Robert E. Lee than Thomas Jonathan Jackson. Born on January 21st, 1824 in Virginia, Jackson came from humble beginnings but through what is apparently sheer resolve, distinguished himself among his peers. He graduated from West Point and served with distinction in the Mexican-American War; playing a crucial role in the battle of Chapultepec alongside a fellow officer by the name of Robert E. Lee.

When the civil war was on the horizon, Jackson was initially opposed to Virginia seceding from the Union. But when she finally did in May of 1861, Jackson, like Lee, joined his home state and took command of Confederate forces.

Known by most as Stonewall Jackson, Thomas earned this nickname at the Battle of Bull Run of June 1861, beating back a relentless Union assault and providing the necessary support needed to avoid an outright route in the face of an overwhelming force. This was to be the first of many victories during the Civil War for Stonewall Jackson, as his fame and popularity among the Confederate rank and file, and his notoriety among the Union forces, grew.

1862 cemented Jackson’s place among America’s great commanders as he proved himself indispensable in campaigns against his Northern counterparts on many occasions, such as the campaigns in the Shenandoah Valley and the Maryland Campaign. His speed and boldness in battle were unmatched and his veteran troops earned the nickname “foot cavalry” to note the logistical efficiency with which he moved his armies.

Among the great men of the South, Stonewall Jackson was but eclipsed by Robert E. Lee himself; no other man was held to as high regard and esteem. His eventual death in 1863, as he succumbed to injuries sustained from friendly fire, dealt an unrecoverable blow to the Confederacy.

One would think that such a man would live on forever in the hearts and minds of Americans. However, in recent years it is unfortunately not the case as a concerted and deliberate effort to erase the memories of men like Jackson is being made. Statues are being torn down, vandalized, and are being petitioned to be destroyed.

Heritage Patriart is doing its part to preserve the memories of America’s heroes by providing limited edition, signed, and true to life portraits of Stonewall Jacskon and other heroes, so that their memories can live on in our homes, on canvas. Their mission is to ensure that those who embrace our nation’s history can have a piece of history in their home, safe from vandals and political climate. If history cannot be preserved in the streets, it will be preserved in our homes.