John Williamson Palmer was a physician, poet, playwright, and newspaper corrspondent who wrote this poem during the Battle of Antietam in September 1862. The song was quickly put to music by an unknown composer and sung by Jackson's men during the eight remaining months of the General's life.

The line "pay off Ashby's score" refers to General Turner Ashby, Jackson's cavalry chief during his famous Valley campaign, who was killed by Union troops while fighting a rear-guard action near Harrisonburg, Virginia, June 6, 1862. The description of Jackson as a "Blue-Light Elder" refers to his strong Presbyterian faith.

Popular legend has it that the original copy of "Stonewall Jackson's Way" was lost and later found on the body of a sergeant in the Stonewall Brigade who was killed at Winchester, Virginia.

"Stonewall Jackson's Way"