This is the story of young Jackson's life, including where his descendents originated, and how some of them fought alongside George Washington during the American war of independence. He came from humble beginnings, and it was part luck and part his own passion that gave him the opportunity to attend West Point, which gave him the door to his military career. Henderson shows the difficulties Jackson overcame at West Point because of his lack of education, which indicates his great strength and sense of purpose. The author also compares Abraham Lincoln, Napoleon, and Stonewall Jackson, illustrating the similarities in their lives.

             Chapter II: Mexico. Jackson graduated West Point as a second lieutenant of artillery and he was immediately sent to Mexico. He served in General Scott's Army for several years, and gained notice for his bravery under fire. He reached the rank of captain, and then major in Mexico, and gained heavy combat experience. More importantly, he served with many Army officers who would fight during the Civil War, and so he had intimate knowledge of the men who would become his enemies. This would help his military tactics immensely, and it would give his enemies an advantage, too, because they had fought beside him. However, Jackson was always reserved and quiet, and so, he may have gained more from his experience than the other leaders gained from knowing him.

             Chapter III: Lexington. 1851-1861. Jackson returned to America after the war and served in several different locations. In 1851, he became Professor of Artillery Tactics and Natural Philosophy at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia. While there, he studied the successful tactics of other generals, which added to his success during the Civil War. He also married his second wife, who provided him with a happy home life and a loving marriage. His first wife had died after only fourteen months of marriage.