The Only Conflict Stonewall Jackson Ever Raised His Sword In Was Cedar Mountain

The Battle of Cedar Mountain, the Army of Northern Virginia's first important conflict with John Pope's newly formed Army of Virginia, is reenacted in Stonewall's Sword. The 1862 combat, which was marred by multiple instances of poor leadership, begins with the Union scoring an early victory with a bold charge, only to see a reversal when Confederate reinforcements arrive, culminating in a successful counterattack by A.P. Hill. To boost the morale of his left flank, which was about to collapse, Stonewall Jackson is said to have pulled his sword in this one and only engagement. Clara Barton treated the injured on the battlefield throughout this conflict as well.

Jackson rode into the midst of the maelstrom swinging his sword with the scabbard rusted to it from lack of use after two and a half hours, with the Confederate left flank on the verge of collapsing. Jackson raised his "sword" and a battle banner to rouse the swaying Confederates despite the approaching fire from all sides. In the words of one witness "the escape of Jackson from death was miraculous. He was in the thickest of the combat." The illustrious leader stopped the fear and established calm. The conflict was later described by Jackson as the "most successful of [his] exploits."

The sword has a slightly curved single-edged blade with two fullers that are etched with floral sprays, military trophies, an eagle, and the word "US." The hilt is made of gilded brass and has two branches that are filled with pierced floral designs and the word "US." The knuckle bow is pierced for the sword knot close to the pommel, which is embellished with a floral spray on the forward edge. The wood grips were wrapped in a single strand of brass wire and covered in shagreen. That's all about the sixth fact about the battle of Cedar Mountain!