An Alexandria, Virginia, hotel owner, James T. Jackson <sic> became the South's first martyr to the cause of the secession. Despite the dangerous proximity of the town to the Union buildup of volunteers in the capital, Jackson insisted upon flying a banner proclaiming his support for the new Confederacy.
Then, on May 24, 1861, it happened. Union forces occupied the town. One unit of the invading force was the 11th New York or “Ellsworth Fire Zouaves”. Late that day, Colonel Ellsworth spied the secession flag floating over Jackson's establishment, the Marshall House. Awakened by the commotion of the federals in his hotel, Jackson denied any knowledge of the flag, claiming to be a boarder.
He then went for his shotgun and confronted the Union colonel as he descended with his trophy. Firing at close range, he killed Ellsworth. Union private Francis E. Brownell then shot the rebel in the head and ran him through with his bayonet. From this wasteful incident each side could claim a martyr.
~ Who Was Who in the Civil War, 1988, Page 335
You can visit the memorial page for James William Jackson.
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