Burial Place of Stonewall Jackson’s Arm

«Jackson has lost his left arm, but I have lost my right».
–General Robert E. Lee
Jackson’s last words were apparently, «Let us cross over the river and rest in the shade of the trees.» It seems like a lot of words for a dying man. If, however there is truth in this story, then the resting place of this limb seems fitting. The lone tombstone sits quietly among a small group of trees on the Virginia countryside. The picturesque views were once covered by war field hospitals and now is the resting place of the left arm of one of America’s most famous Generals.
A little history: Stonewall Jackson’s arm was destined to be buried along with other amputated limbs until Jackson’s Chaplain, Reverend Lacy, retrieved it from a macabre pile of appendages and eventually buried it on his own plantation, Ellwood Manor. The limb was buried several days before Jackson’s death as a way for his staff to pay tribute to the man that they had followed through battle. It’s probably the least they could do considering that his own men accidentally shot him. I’m just sayin’.
The story of a buried arm is surreal, but a little research makes the story a little more humane. Even if Jackson fought on the wrong side of history, every body (or body part) should be so lucky to be buried in a place so serene.
Verdict: Great for Civil War buffs, the curious and people spending a little time in nearby Old Town Fredricksberg. Or Cross it off your Weird Virginia (book) list.
Weird tidbits: The arm has been dug up a few times in the past, but has always made it’s way back into the ground. It seems that the curious return it to it’s resting place after learning that there REALLY is an arm buried in the ground.
FYI: The last time I attempted a visit, the grounds were closed contrary to the information found on the website. If in doubt, it’s best to call.

I like that somebody put this up to review. Definitely worth a visit, and while you are here there are four big battlefields and many other smaller Civil War sites in the area.

I really can’t believe that someone else has already reviewed this. But yes, as civil war buffs know, Stonewall Jackson’s arm was amputated and buried separately from his body. While his grave is in Lexington, VA at VMI, and he died at what is now the Stonewall Jackson Shrine more than 20 miles away, his arm was buried here just off of Ellwood Manor in the Wilderness Battlefield. Come out and visit this and impress people with your civil war knowledge.

A true civil wargasm. After Confederate General Thomas «Stonewall» Jackson was shot by his own men, and had his arm amputated it was buried near Ellwood, which is a home that served as a field hospital at the time. It is on the grounds of the Wilderness National Battlefield. There is a sign off of route 20 that directs you to the house. From there, walk towards the home and look for another small sign directing you to the arm.