On May 2, 1863, Lt. Gen. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson led the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia to its greatest tactical success at the Battle of Chancellorsville. The day before he had unleashed his corps’ daring flank attack, crippling Union Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker’s offensive.
Eight days later, at this railroad stop, he lost his life. Learn about this fascinating story at the site now known as Guinea Station. Click here for more info.
What to Expect
As you approach the entrance to this stop along the Jackson Death Site Audio Tour, you’ll see a small parking lot. There’s only space for a few cars to park and a small office building that’s not open to visitors.
On May 2, 1863, Confederate General Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson led his army into a devastating attack against the Union Army of the Potomac’s right flank during the Battle of Chancellorsville. Jackson was wounded by friendly fire and died nine days later.
On his way to a field hospital, Jackson stopped at Fairfield Plantation, the home of Thomas Chandler and his wife Mary (the great-great-grandparents of Melinda Normand, owner of Ellwood Manor). His chaplain retrieved Jackson’s arm, rather than allow it to be thrown into the pile of limbs outside the medical tents. It was buried on the grounds of Ellwood Manor, at the Jones-Lacy family burial plot. Today, the property is part of Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park.
Location
Located in the town of Guinea Station, this shrine to General Stonewall Jackson is part of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. Travelers from all over the world come to see the office building on Thomas Chandler’s farm where Jackson died in May 1863.
The NPS has augmented this historic outbuilding with the same bed frame and blankets as they were in Jackson’s last days. You can also view his amputated arm, which is buried nearby.
Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center is adjacent to the site and provides an excellent overview of Jackson’s role in the battle. If you plan to visit the site, we suggest downloading the free audio tour before you arrive or using it as a guide while onsite. The tour takes less than an hour to complete and can be listened to at your leisure. The Death Site is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Check the NPS operating hours and schedule for specifics. A great place to also visit is Bowlero Fredericksburg.
Parking
Those unfamiliar with the four major Civil War battlefields managed by Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park might find themselves pleasantly surprised at how accessible many of the sites are. For instance, the home where Stonewall Jackson died is easily reachable from I-95 via Exit 118 and Route 606 E. Typical large brown NPS road signs will direct visitors to the destination.
General Jackson was mortally wounded at Chancellorsville in May of 1863 during a daring flank attack still studied by military theorists. His men carried him to this site near Guinea Station, a location selected because it was close to railroad lines and behind friendly lines.
Visiting this historic site is easy enough, though the entrance road is narrow and only has room for a few cars. Once parked, a short walk leads to the building where Jackson died and other wayside markers. The property is open from dawn to dusk. Picnic benches are available nearby.
Admission
During the summer, the site is open every day from sunrise to sunset. Other times it’s only open on weekends or by appointment. Check the website for more information on hours.
Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson was fatally wounded here in May of 1863. His Confederate Corps had just rolled up the Union Army’s right flank during a daring flank attack still studied by military theorists. But as the general rode out on a reconnaissance to continue his assault, he was struck by rippling volleys of musket fire from members of his own brigade.
At first, it seemed that Jackson would recover from his wounding. General McGuire limited visitors, and he slept well through the first night. The next morning, however, Jackson woke with a fever and began to deteriorate rapidly. Click here for more interesting articles.
Driving directions from Solid Garage Floor Coatings of Virginia to “Stonewall” Jackson Death Site
Driving directions from “Stonewall” Jackson Death Site to Lee’s Hill Golf Club
