Recollections and reminiscences of the Stonewall Brigade

Nicknames communicate a great deal about the people who participated in the events of the American Civil War. This was not only true in the case of individuals — much better to be known to your men as “Uncle Billy” than “Granny Holmes,” for example — but also in the case of regiments and brigades. The importance of nicknames is why, when asked to name some of the most illustrious units to serve in the war, many would call to mind the Midwesterners of the Iron Brigade or the Virginians who composed the Stonewall Brigade. The latter shared its nickname with its most famous commander, Thomas Jonathan Jackson, who organized the men of the 2nd, 4th, 5th, 27th, and 33rd Virginia infantry regiments for service in 1861.