Where Is the Stonewall Jackson Arm Burial Site? Key Facts and Common Missteps

The right arm of Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, lost to friendly fire in 1863, now rests in a quiet corner of Lexington, Virginia—about 150 miles west of where he fell at Chancellorsville. Most visitors expect a grand monument, but the site is a modest grave in the shadow of a simple stone marker behind the Chancellorsville Battlefield visitor center. Knowing exactly where to look and what to expect can spare travelers a wasted trip to the wrong location.

Why the Arm Ended Up in Lexington

After Jackson was accidentally shot by his own troops on May 2, 1863, surgeons amputated his left arm. The limb was buried the same night in the garden of a local family, the Fairfax family, who lived near the battlefield. When Jackson died eight days later, his body was taken to Lexington for burial. Decades later, the Fairfax heirs donated the land containing the arm’s grave to the United Daughters of the Confederacy, which placed the current marker in 1921. The site sits on private property now managed by the Civil War Trust, so access is by guided tour only.

What You’ll Actually See on Site

The burial plot is less than 10 feet across, enclosed by a low stone wall and topped with a plain granite marker. There are no statues, flags, or interpretive signs—just the grave and a nearby plaque explaining the event. Visitors often mistake the Chancellorsville visitor center for the arm’s grave, but the center is three miles away. The arm itself is not visible; the marker indicates the approximate spot of the original burial. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes; the path is unpaved and slopes slightly.

Common Mistakes That Waste Time and Money

Travelers who skip the guided tour often arrive at the visitor center expecting a museum-style display. Others drive to the Fairfax family home site in Chancellorsville, which is privately owned and not open to the public. Some visitors also confuse the arm’s grave with Jackson’s main burial site at Oak Grove Cemetery in Lexington, where his body lies. Planning ahead—booking a tour slot and confirming the exact location—can prevent a 120-mile round trip for a closed gate.

How to Visit Without the Pitfalls

Start at the Chancellorsville Battlefield visitor center, where rangers offer daily tours that include the arm’s grave. Tours run every hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and last about 45 minutes. Reserve online at least 24 hours ahead; walk-ups are accepted only if space allows. After the tour, visit Jackson’s grave at Oak Grove Cemetery, a five-minute drive away. Pack a picnic—there are no food services on site—and bring cash for the $5 per-person tour fee. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, when busloads of school groups sometimes arrive.

What’s Next for the Site

The Civil War Trust has stabilized the plot and added drainage to protect the marker, but the site remains low-key by design. There are no plans to expand facilities or add lighting. If you’re seeking a dramatic Civil War relic, this is not the place. If you want a quiet moment at one of the Civil War’s most unusual graves, the arm’s site delivers—provided you know where to look.

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