Searching for Stonewall Jackson: A Quest for Legacy in a Divided America

by Ben Cleary

Historian Ben Cleary takes readers beyond the legend of Stonewall Jackson and directly onto the Civil War battlefields on which he fought, and where a country once again finds itself at a crossroads.

Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson was the embodiment of Southern contradictions. He was a slave owner who fought and died, at least in part, to perpetuate slavery, yet he founded an African-American Sunday School and personally taught classes for almost a decade. For all his sternness and rigidity, Jackson was a deeply thoughtful and incredibly intelligent man. But his reputation and mythic status, then and now, was due to more than combat success. In a deeply religious age, he was revered for a piety that was far beyond the norm. How did one man meld his religion with the institution of slavery? How did he reconcile it with the business of killing, at which he so excelled?

In SEARCHING FOR STONEWALL JACKSON, historian Ben Cleary examines not only Jackson's life, but his own, contemplating what it means to be a white Southerner in the 21st century. Now, as statues commemorating the Civil War are toppled and Confederate flags come down, Cleary walks the famous battlefields, following in the footsteps of his subject as he questions the legacy of Stonewall Jackson and the South's Lost Cause at a time when the contentions of politics, civil rights, and social justice are at a fever pitch.


Combining nuanced, authoritative research with deeply personal stories of life in the modern American South, SEARCHING FOR STONEWALL JACKSON is a thrilling, vivid portrait of a soldier, a war, and a country still contending with its past.

Genres: History, Civil War, Nonfiction, American Civil War, Biography, American History

384 pages, Hardcover

Published July 16, 2019

Reviews

[Henry Rozycki · Rating 5 out of 5]

To read a history book about the Southern side of the Civil War is challenging nowadays. To read a standard history book, a recitation of facts that happened in timely order, many years ago, can itself be a challenge. Ben Cleary has created a book that beats it. For those who avoid history books because they can be dry and, dare I say it, boring, he makes Jackson's story approachable by, first of all, focusing on the two years he led troops during the war, and then most effectively, by telling the story of those years in digestible bites. In between, Cleary describes what is now at each place and how he reacts to both the history and the present. And this is what makes it so inviting to read this problematic history. He does not shy from confronting why this may be problematic. He addresses the role of slavery, the controversies about statues, what our real history teaches us about ourselves. By injecting himself and now, he makes it easy to read well researched lively and detailed history and to appreciate its contemporary importance.

[Porter Broyles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was listening to this book through the library.

It is not bad, but it just is not for me. The book is about the a White Southerner (Cleary) as he learns more about the Southern Icon---Stonewall Jackson. Cleary does not approach the subject as a novice, he's been writing about Jackson for years, but this book is about his travels across the South as he reflects on what Jackson means today and 150 years ago.

The book is equal parts history, his experiences retracing Jackson's path, and his reflections on contemporary America. It is not a bad book, it's just not for me. If I didn't have other books checked out from the library with long holds I probably would have finished this book, but I'd rather listem to them.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

More of a modern day travelogue than a narrative history volume, this book does not disappoint. It reminds me very much of the late, great Tony Horwitz's works. If you never read Confederates in the Attic or Spying on the South, consider it. Strongly consider it. Anyway, this is most likely my final book review for 2020. I will continue to add more reviews as time allows in the new year. To all my friends; thanks for being friends and following my reviews. Although I mostly read Civil War themed books, I may occasionally throw in a spy novel/thriller. There is a new Gray Man novel due out in February, so keep your eyes peeled for that. I guess I really enjoyed this book because of the author's ability to blend the past and the present into a compelling narrative. Definitely worth your time if you dig Stonewall Jackson. Hoping you all remain safe and healthy in the coming year, and hoping life returns to at least a shade of normal. Take care.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a huge history buff; curiosity attracted me to this book more than anything else. How, in these times of ultra-sensitivity, could a (brace yourself and excuse me of my crassness here) white man, yes, a Caucasian Homo sapiens, dare to put pen to paper and discuss at great length such a vile subject as an officer of the Confederate States of America? I fan my face furiously as I write this. But, I digress.
As it turns out, I don’t think anyone else on this green earth (did you catch my inclusion for all in that modification?) could have done a more sensitive yet engaging historical account of Stonewall Jackson. The sections dwelling quite deeply into the footsteps of the soldiers were interspersed with present-day excursions by Ben as he followed along, building a bridge of understanding across all of the lost years. What Ben sees and describes of today’s resulting atmosphere is so eloquent, with hope and faith in humankind. I enjoyed the sections attributed to the history of Jackson’s commanding ability, but the breaks where Ben brings us to today is refreshing, not shaming. They’re hopeful, not nihilistic.
This is an eye-opening and endearing biography. Readers who would benefit the most aren’t the Civil War buffs, already set in their mind frame of what is right and wrong, but curious readers like me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Twelve Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Angus McKeogh · Rating 3 out of 5]

While sometimes light on the details of Jackson’s life, and mixed with the author’s modern day “memoir” and observations about the present which were usually moderately jarring, I did enjoy the book overall. It seemed to include a few tidbits I don’t recall from other biographies I’ve read and I also thought he pointed out Jackson’s flaws a bit more readily than those other reads as well. It was good.

[Susan Paxton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this a lot more than I did, but while Cleary dances around the subject of a "divided America," he can never quite bring himself to realize, or perhaps to admit, why it's divided. His treatment of Jackson is able as are the travelogue segments of the book, but some maps would have been very useful.

[Paul Womack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most enjoyable, as I read with Google Earth at hand to check locations. I resonated with Mr. Cleary’s observation that he felt an emotional connection to Jackson and his colleagues, even as his intellect rebelled at their cause and its justifications. Is that the lesson to learn: compassion and a moral compass for acts that give all people an equal chance at the good life are more important than loyalty to nation?

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Basically, I'm trying to go places Jackson lived and fought and see what they're like today. And parallel that with his story. Hopefully, I can be fresh and insightful with both. I'm also hoping the writing is better than standard history. I've been to some incredible places ..."

Dat schrijft Cleary op bladzijde 310, als een Park Ranger vraagt aan wat voor boek hij werkt. Het is wat mij betreft gelukt. De combinatie van reiservaringen en geschiedenis verluchtigt de historische gebeurtenissen en verbindt ze tegelijkertijd met het heden---iets wat ikzelf op mijn vakantiereizen ook altijd probeer te doen. Het maakt beide kanten van het verhaal interessanter. Daarbij komt regelmatig aan de orde hoe vandaag de dag de kritiek op Confederate Monuments oplaait, waarbij Cleary genuanceerd commentaar levert, dat mijn eigen twijfels over de kwestie weerspiegelt.

Natuurlijk helpt het ook, dat ik Stonewall zelf net zo interessant en mysterieus vind als Cleary, en dat ik op veel van dezelfde plaatsen ben geweest als hij, met dezelfde of juist compleet andere indrukken en ervaringen. Ik stond bij Stonewalls arm, liep langs de muur van Fredericksburg en ervoer een soortgelijke desillusie in Front Royal toen het ging over de significantie van Belle Boyds informatie.

Het boek staat met stip in de lijst van mijn favoriete boeken, simpelweg omdat het bijna alles combineert in wat ik fijn vind in boeken. Het enige wat ik graag verbeterd had gezien, is het fotokatern. Nu staan er obligate historische foto's in, van Lee en Stuart; liever had ik plekken gezien die Cleary bezocht voor het boek---de portretten van de generaals kennen we uit genoeg andere boeken; de huidige situatie van het nauwelijks te bezichtigen Belvoir, waar het laatste portret van Stonewall werd genomen, is veel unieker en interessanter. Maar dat is een kleinigheid, want de bezochte plekken worden gedetailleerd en persoonlijk beschreven. En het voedt mijn wens om de verschillende plaatsen (weer) zelf te bezoeken.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been interested in General Jackson for many years, and more so after moving into a home that is close to the battlefield, which was his last.

General Jackson was someone who found himself on the field of battle, who thrived and flourished under the hardships of war. He was not a great teacher but had taught at the Virginia Military Institute for several years. Students made fun of him, but many failed to know the man.

This portrayal of Jackson made me sit back and wonder how often we, as historians, fail to see the human behind the story, and how often we go only know what we are told, rather than searching deeper to understand the person behind the legends and portrayals we see on movies and fond stories that are shared. This book was a refreshing take on Jackson as a person, the soldier, and the many conflicting sentiments that he struggled with throughout his short life.

[Susan Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. Maybe I should have rounded up to 4 stars, but the subtitle really bugged me. I learned a lot about Stonewall Jackson and his role in the Civil War, but there was little to no discussion about “a divided America.” Or does the author mean divided America of 1860’s? I took it to mean today, & he throws in a few comments about statue controversy & racial conflict, but I feel he still glamorizes the South & Confederacy a little too much. As a history buff, I don’t want to stop learning about the past, but we have to admit that the Confederacy was wrong, and on the losing side of history. (Library)

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful and worrisome book that speaks to the legacy of the Civil War, and how even how the conflict of over 150 years ago still shapes our thoughts , causing heated discussions, and even violent conflicts. Witness Charlottesville Virginia. History is important, a guide to the present and a furnisher of context for practically everything. I'm reminded of Patrick Henry who said it well, "I have but one lamp to guide me, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of know way of judging the future than by the past. Like a lot of people my age who has been interested in the Civil War, and as the author says, if the Civil War can teach us anything its that conflicts sometimes get worse before they get any better.
Could we possibly, be going down that road again. Worrying I finished the book.

[Michael Shaffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben Cleary provides a fascinating approach in recounting the Civil War career of Thomas J. Jackson. The author makes an apt observation in the book’s afterward, stating: ”...pilgrimages are as much about the pilgrim as they are about the destination.” Readers will enjoy walking the battlefields with the author, as he journeys toward a deeper understanding of the officer called ”Stonewall.”

[Alan Kaplan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who is very interested in the Civil War, I saw this book on the table at Barnes and Nobles. The premise intrigued me so I bought it. Cleary follows Stonewall Jackson's path thru the Civil War. He visits the battlefields. He crosses the rivers. He tries to feel what Jackson and his troops felt during the Civil War. While many of the battlefields have been protected, many have not and have become roads, shopping centers and subdivisions. Cleary finds this somewhat disorienting because he and I both believe that these battlefields are sacred ground where thousands were killed on both North and South on somewhat of a daily basis. The immensity of the slaughter in Civil War battles seems completely insane today, but casualties of 10,000 or more soldiers in a given battle was a routine occurrence. These are your reparations. Over 750,000 Americans died during the Civil War, a fantastic number of the total population at that time. This book does make you want to visit some of the less well known sites, like Malvern Hill and Chancellorsville. Virginia is filled with Civil War cemeteries, and the majority of the buried are unknown. Imagine that, your son, father, or husband simply does not return after the war and you have no idea what happened or where he is.

[Henry Davis IV · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the idea for this book and well selected title are fantastic and timely, the author's execution of his idea is poor to say the least. The majority of this book is an overview of Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's military career cobbled together from secondary, tertiary, and other rather random sources. A true search for Jackson's legacy would be both enlightening and interesting. How did this fabled military leader who on one hand fought valiantly to support a nation founded to protect the institution of slavery while, on the other, spent years teaching a Bible study to African American slave children view these seeming contradictions? What lessons of faith and the indomitability of the human soul can Jackson's heartbreaking life and trail to achieving martial greatness teach us? Sadly, aside from some anecdotes related to the authors work teaching in a juvenile prison and tramping the places Jackson traveled, this work is really devoid of truly probing questions and anything even resembling answers. I think the author gained a lot going through the process to write this book and I suspect maybe he had a lot more to share. Regardless, his inability to share more than a moderately researched overview of Jackson's war record leads me to not recommend this book to anyone. They are better off reading about Jackson from more informed, better researched secondary sources than this one.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a goodreads giveaway. I am always happy to get free books and discover new authors. This book was very well researched and presented. The author would describe an event in the "Stonewall" Jackson time line and then discuss what the place looks like today. I found it very interesting and learned a lot about "Stonewall" Jackson

[Craig Pearson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I am a big fan of Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson and this book to be an enjoyable read of his life and times. The emphasis here was Cleary's journey into the research necessary for this book. It seemed to me that Jackson's story was secondary.

[Gerry McCaffrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the read but not too sure I knew anymore about Stonewall at the conclusion. The absence of a few maps is a little disappointing.

[Ben Denison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book although I took occasional pauses in my reading of it (I didn’t realize until this review that I started it in Feb).

I am fascinated by the Civil War, this fascination came late in life (50’s) and I now can’t seem to get enough of it.

In this book, Cleary mixes Jackson’s biography, with his military campaigns, with the present day walking and reviewing of the battle sites as they appear today. I loved it. Now, I want to walk these trails and battlefields myself.

From the title/subtitle I expected a little more exploration of the frictional dynamic Cleary (and myself) and most southern civil war buffs have in admiring the man, the general, the leader, but despising the cause. I still struggle with how I feel vs how I think I’m supposed to feel.

I also struggle on the idea of such a devout man in prayer and faith so easily condoned slavery. While he did found a black bible school (illegally) , he battled for the wrong side.

Cleary did do a good job of putting you in the common soldiers’ shoes (or lack of shoes) with hardship, no food, miserable conditions, and gruesome fighting to the death and wonder why are these common men giving their lives for the purpose institution of slavery? He didn’t really get into why? But I think a great % joined the fight because of “those damned Yankees” and not to necessarily keep slavery.

Overall a good book. I will read other Jackson biographies which I’m sure will be more in depth, but this was a good first look at Jackson and his military campaigns.

[Matthew Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must confess that when I first picked this book up from the moonpie general store in pigeon forge Tennessee I was apprehensive on how it might be. The title alone evoked thoughts of “please don’t be another social justice take.”

How refreshing it was to read a book written in a way that the Civil War and especially Jackson has never been handled. Following the authors journey as he followed Jackson’s is a pleasant experience. When personal stories and thoughts are brought into the narrative they really reveal where we are. For example places that meant so much to fight over and hold in a battle are now grown over. Places where famous generals died are now collapsed and you have to hike through woods to get to. The monuments put up in remembrance of loved ones who never came home and were visited are now gone by a modern generation that has forgotten the crossroads this nation crossed and deserves to be remembered. Battlefields where thousands fought are now visited by a few people or built over with expanding populations and companies.

Searching for Jackson could be related to searching for ourselves. As the author tried to understand Jackson more on his journey, and the more of his own thoughts and pictures he painted in his writing, I found myself wanting to go on the same journey because maybe in the steps Jackson traveled and on these battlefields that so much was given on, maybe I would find something of myself. Maybe we all could and maybe that’s the point.

Highly recommend.

[Scott Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Audiobook) An interesting take about one of the key Confederate commanders during the Civil War. This is part biography/part memoir. The author attempts to convey the life story of the Stonewall Jackson, primarily focusing on the military exploits of the man during the 2 years he was fighting in the Civil War. Jackson, in the eyes of the author, is a mysterious man, one who can be very difficult to learn about, as his life has been shrouded in legend and myth. He did not come from wealth or power, but somehow, managed to elevate himself to be one of the most dynamic commanders in American history. He had his eccentricities, from his hypochondria and his religious devotions to his ability to be in the right place at the right time, and his ability to fight a mobile style of warfare is one that is still required study for all US military personnel. The author, in describing how he tried to follow the life story of Jackson, also attempts to reconcile his quest with the events in Charlottesville in 2017 and how national perception about Confederate monuments has turned negative (for the author, he doesn't come right out and say it, but he is not really supportive of the efforts to suppress and eliminate the Confederate monuments). Bonus points for the author reading his own work, and you will learn something about the man. Yet, you might end up looking for a better biography if possible. It was solid, but not spectacular.

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 9 chapters.

Thought this would be a thought provoking read about the legacy of a confederate leader, like The Man Who Would Not Be Washington: Robert E. Lee's Civil War and His Decision That Changed American History, but as usual, I am let down. This is no more than the meanderings of another middle-aged war fanboy who likes to wank off to the graves of nineteenth century traitors. I've given up on this one in favor of Rebel Yell: The Violence, Passion, and Redemption of Stonewall Jackson

After a few chapters I read some reviews and learned that the book does not live up to it's title or it's dust jacket; there will be no resolution, no answers found. I am still looking for someone who can tell me why we should revere Stonewall Jackson and his ilk. What about these men overcomes their treason and their affection for a cruel industry? What makes them worthy of our admiration today? Why shouldn't we deface their memories? No man has yet given me an answer. I have pretty good idea why.

[Trick Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben Cleary did a excellent job on the life of "Stonewall Jackson".. As he wrote this book,he traveled to some of the places where these battles of this war happened and did a excellent job in explaining about the battle,why there was the battle,who was in these battles on both the North and South..Ben tried to tell both sides as he went through the story. I am a Southern by birth and as I don't believe in slavery I am still proud to a Southern. It has a personal touch to this story. Step back in time where "The War Between the States" is going on and follow Stonewall Jackson in his life as a Confederate soldier and how he commanded his men and the battles that were fought ,how he got his name and how he died and where. Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond ,Va. I know very well,I have family buried there,my mother's family ,as I was there to bury my grandmother and mother there and so many of my father's family dating back to the 1600's.. It's a wonderful historical cemetery that if you ever make it to Richmond, Va. You should go by there and get a piece of history of men that fought in a war that some southern believed in and some didn't but they fought because they loved the South and they loved Virginia. You will get a sense of all of this in this book! Received from Net Gallery!

[Paul Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s unfair (and intellectually lazy) to view historical figures through the lens of the present. So how should one think about Civil War leaders? The extremes seem easy for the masses to judge (Lincoln = good; Nathan Bedford Forrest = bad) - but upon closer examination, even Lincoln wouldn’t be nearly ‘woke’ enough by today's standards. Stonewall Jackson is an especially intriguing figure to consider - he founded a Sunday School for blacks at which he taught for years, but he owned slaves. He was a deeply pious man in a deeply pious age - but he achieved legendary status through his ability to kill (not through his uneven professorship at VMI). The author re-traces Jackson’s war experiences while visiting the present sites. It’s more a travelogue meets Jackson bio than any deep social analysis of the present. If you’re a Civil War buff, that’s perfectly fine - you’ll enjoy this book as a balanced retelling of a fascinating legend’s strengths and weaknesses.

[Marc Brueggemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even after reading this, Stonewall Jackson still confuses me as I'm more of a Union guy than a Confederate guy. But this I feel is an exception, along with a couple of Confederate regiments that fought. Jackson still mystifies people as he does me, now that I'm done reading this I'm going to read Rebel Yell, which is considered the best Jackson biography ever written. In this time of questioning our national values, tearing down of statues, and questioning our history. Figures like Jackson, Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, George Gordon Meade, and the soldiers that fought under them on both sides were complex and contradicting human beings. They weren't perfect, nobody is. I hope that's what we can learn from Jackson, and the other national figures of our history.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, this was a well written book. However, I felt the story didn’t live up to the title. I was expecting present-day, divided America to be addressed more. Had this been more of the topic of conversation, then this book would have been vastly improved. I was disappointed because a big reason why I wanted to read a book on Stonewall Jackson was to see how his legacy holds up today.

This is definitely worth a read if you want to learn about one of the greatest American Generals. But if you are looking for how the past and present are colliding, than this is a pass.

[Fire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting look into the life of Stonewall Jackson and his roll in the Civil War. Written by someone who lives in the area where Jackson fought. He traveled to the battlegrounds, and researched a lot and it shows. I have read another book about Stonewall Jackson and this one was both more informative and more enjoyable to read.

It had a few slower parts which is my only criticism, but overall it was a very well written, researched, and present work on Jackson.

4 Stars!

[Travis Galliher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was two books in one, a historical look at Stonewall Jackson’s actions during the American Civil War, and a travel journal, of sorts, as the author attempts to retrace those steps in many places. I found this method of connecting the past and present to be very relatable, especially since Jackson spent the entire war at places within half a days drive from my home. The book was very well written, easy to follow, and a joy to read.

[Mark Singer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I especially liked the manner in which the author juxtaposed the history trail with the current day environment. But being only a novice Civil War buff I thought the book could have used a few maps to make it easier to follow. I followed the best I could using my iPad and Google maps but still found myself confused trying to track the battles.

[John Scherer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book more. Cleary effectively links the historical with his travelogue today. But, I don’t think he effectively wrestled with Stonewall’s legacy, as well as the Civil War’s legacy in the South, and in America.

[Marsha Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author is a former co-worker of mine. Reading his book was like hanging out with him for hours. His humor and charm came through in his reflections on his various experiences tracing Stonewall Jackson's steps.