The memorial equestrian statue honoring Confederal Brigadier General Thomas Jonathan Jackson stands on Manassas National Battlefield. As Beauregard's C.S. forces were being driven back across the crest of Henry House Hill, during the Battle of First Manassas, Jackson led the just-arrived army commanded by Joseph E. Johnston onto the field of battle, Jackson deployed his First Brigade alongside and behind the atillery pieces seen near the tree line in the background. His gunners immediately opened fire upon Union forces atop Henty House Hill and kept up their fire. Jackson held this ground steadfastly, refusing to yield. His stand prompted C.S. General Bernard Bee, commanding a nearby brigade, to point to Jackson's men, shouting "There stands Jackson, like a stone wall!" Thus, a legendary knickname was born. Thomas Jackson was known thereafter as "Stonewall" Jackson, and his First Brigade as the "Stonewall" Brigade. Jackson's refusal to budge turned the tide of the battle, resulting in a rout of the Federal forces, and the first great Confederate victory of the Civil War.
