On Great Fields: Leaders of the American Civil War

30: Stonewall Jackson - Part 8 Seven Days

In this episode, we discuss Jackson's time at the WestPoint military academy. Then we resume where we left off after the valley campaign with Jackson joining Lee's forces to defend the confederate capital in the Seven Days Battles. After this, we find Jackson again being sent off to destroy Nathaniel Banks's federals at the Battle of Cedar Mountain, just before Second Manassas (aka Second Bull Run). 

29: Stonewall Jackson - Part 7 Big Valley Finish

In this episode, we conclude Jackson's spectacular valley campaign. First, his army will somehow escape from the danger of a well-sprung trap set by President Lincoln, then he will proceed to defeat two much larger Union armies in detail. By the end of the campaign he is likely the most famous person in the world.

28: Stonewall Jackson - Part 6 Front Royal

Jackson continues his Valley Campaign with smashing victories over Union General Nathaniel Banks at Front Royal and Winchester. President Lincoln and all of Washington are terrified Jackson might invade the US capital. 

27: Stonewall Jackson - Part 5 Early Years

In this episode we discuss Jackson's background and early life in Jackson's Mill Virginia. Also, we explore Jackson's loves and losses before the Civil War.

26: Stonewall Jackson - Part 4 McDowell

Jackson begins his Valley Campaign in earnest and his partnership with Robert E Lee also begins. Jackson fools the federals into thinking he has left the Valley for good and then attacks Fremont's vanguard force in the Battle of McDowell. 

25: Stonewall Jackson - Part 3 Kernstown

In this episode we begin our discussion of Jackson's famous valley campaign. Jackson rewrites the rules of war during the Romney expedition, pushing his men to physical extremes none of them thought possible. Then Jackson shows his gall and audacity at Kernstown by attacking a much larger union force in a tactical defeat that turned into a strategic victory.

24: Stonewall Jackson - Part 2 VMI

In this episode we explore Jackson's pre-war life as professor of Science and Artillery at Virginia Military Institute. We also learn more about Jackson's idiosyncratic behavior and especially his insistence to never quit and never give up, ever. We also discuss a significant incident involving Jackson and his post commander during his time in the antebellum Army. 

23: Stonewall Jackson - Part 1 First Manassas

In this episode we discuss Thomas J Jackson's entry into Richmond with his VMI cadets following Virginia succession. He had no commission and no command until he was finally made a Colonel and ordered to take command at Harpers Ferry. Soon he and his brigade got their first combat experience at Falling Waters. Then Jackson achieved fame and the legendary status at the first battle at Bull Run (aka First Manassas). Following this battle he would be known henceforth and forever as "Stonewall Jackson."

22: George H. Thomas - Part 7 Best General

In the episode we conclude our discussion of General Thomas. He oversaw the cavalry operations of the South and Southeast at the end of the war and his men captured Jefferson Davis. We also discuss his various roles and contributions after the war and his passing on March 28, 1970. Many of his contemporaries compared him to George Washington and Bruce Catton called him perhaps the best general of the war. 

21: George H. Thomas - Part 6 Nashville

In this episode we discuss the Battle of Nashville, which has been called one of the two best battles ever fought by an army. Union General George H. Thomas waited until the time was right, and then annihilated John Bell Hood's Confederate Army of Tennessee on Dec 15 and 16 1864.