We all know that Stonewall Jackson was the most famous member of our extended Jackson family, but how much do you actually know about your relative Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson? Would you like to learn more? For the first time, Jackson Brigade members will be gathering in Lexington, Virginia, to focus on the man who really made the family famous. Making this gathering more memorable will be that it will coincide with the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.
Attendees will tour General Jackson’s home in Lexington and visit the Virginia Military Institute Museum, which holds the raincoat Jackson was wearing when mortally wounded at Chancellorsville and the stuffed remains of his horse, Little Sorrel. We’ll also visit Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery, burial place of the general and several relatives, and Lee Chapel, final resting place of Robert E. Lee.
Our cousin Thomas Jonathan is to be on hand to reminisce with us as he prepares to leave Lexington for the war. We’ve also secured pledges from Ms. Michael Lynn, of the Stonewall Jackson House, and Col. Keith Gibson, of the VMI Museum, to speak to us. A silent auction is planned, which will include several books about Stonewall Jackson. And we may have another surprise or two.
Though Lexington boasts two universities, it retains a quaint, small-town atmosphere, with many interesting shops in the downtown district. Within the immediate area, visitors may find entertaining diversions at Boxerwood Garden, the George C. Marshall Museum, Lime Kiln Theater, the Virginia Horse Center, and the Museum of Military Memorabilia. Attractions in the surrounding area include Virginia Safari Park and the world-famous Natural Bridge of Virginia, to which we may plan a group visit following the reunion. Somewhat farther away are many other attractions that make Lexington an attractive destination. For more information, see http://www.lexingtonvirginia.com/, http://visitstonewall.com, and http://www.visitshenandoah.org/.
Apart from Stonewall Jackson, Lexington holds connections to several members of our extended family, as a number of cousins can be counted among the alumni of Virginia Military Institute and Washington & Lee University. If you’re aware of a family member with a connection to either school or to the town, please let us know.
We’ll be sharing plans as events are finalized. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for this special Jackson Brigade reunion! If you have any questions or wish to offer assistance please contact your reunion co-chairs:
John M. Jackson
2675 Old Fort Road
Blacksburg, VA 24060
jojacks2@vt.edu
Jane C. Hilder
5707 Norton Road
Alexandria, VA 22303-1027
jane@hilderwilliams.net
The latest news on the Jackson Brigade Reunion 2012.
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Dr. Daniel C. Hyde
Department of Computer Science
Bucknell University
Lewisburg, PA 17837 USA
(570) 577-1281
hyde@bucknell.edu
Information