HIGHWAY SIGN MARKING SITE OF JACKSON'S WOUNDING DEDICATED
Photograph of Chancellorsville Visitor's Center
John Salmon
John Salmon

On September 27, Mrs. Mark R. (Juanita) Allen, president of the Virginia Division UDC, dedicated a Virginia Historical Highway Marker to interpret the mortal wounding of Confederate General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. The original marker, J 39, was removed 10 years ago when Route 3 was widened. Its replacement, which features 100 words of all-new text written by Division Second Vice President Mrs. B. Donald (Martha) Boltz, was unveiled before a crowd of approximately 75, including John Salmon of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and Robert "Red" Barbour, lieutenant commander of the Virginia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

The ceremony was held beside the granite monument marking the actual spot of Jackson's wounding, which stands on the grounds of the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center. Mr. Salmon, whose department administers the State Highway Marker program, gave a brief talk about Stonewall Jackson and the relevance of his values in today's world.

The text of the new marker reads as follows:

"Just 1.7 miles west, on this road (then the Orange Plank Road), Lt. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson was wounded by "friendly fire" about 9:30 P.M. on 2 May 1863 during the Battle of Chancellorsville. Having brilliantly executed a flanking maneuver against the Federals, Jackson, with eight aides, was returning from a reconnaissance between the lines. When skirmishing erupted, they were mistaken for Federals and fired on by the 18th N.C. Infantry, killing four and wounding Jackson. After a battlefield amputation of his left arm, Jackson was taken 17 miles southeast to Guinea Station, where he died on 10 May from infection."

Photograph of Mr. Barbour and Mrs. Allen
Mr. Barbour and Mrs. Allen listen as Mr. Salmon addresses the crowd 		Photograph of Mrs. Boltz unveiling marker
Mrs. Boltz unveils the marker

Photograph of marker in place
Mrs. Allen and Mrs. Boltz place a wreath at the marker's permanent location on Route 3



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