Chapter IV: Secession, 1860-61. Jackson spent 10 years at Lexington before the Civil War began. The author explains the origins of the Civil War, from abolition to secession as a background to Jackson's service. This helps lay the foundations of the war and explain why Jackson was such a loyal Southerner. Jackson did not condone slavery or secession, but he was a true Southerner and when the South needed him, he joined the Confederate Army.

             Chapter V: Harper's Ferry. At first after joining the Confederate Army, Jackson continued teaching young recruits at the Military Institute so the South would have a good number of leaders for their armies. Shortly after that, he was accompanied the young men to Richmond to prepare for fighting, and then was put in command of a division at Harper's Ferry as a colonel. Later he became commander of the First Brigade of the Army of the Shenandoah. The author gives background on the South's and North's strengths and weaknesses, and chronicles Jackson's first battles in the war. He shows Jackson as a literate and sensible leader who earned the respect and admiration of his men, which would serve him well throughout his service in the war.

             Chapter VI: The First Battle of Manassas or Bull Run. The author details the fighting at Manassas and Jackson's pivotal role in the eventual defeat of Union troops at what the Confederates called "Bull Run." It was a decisive battle that turned on the South. Jackson was instrumental in rallying the troops and mustering a defensive "wall" that eventually drove back the Federal forces. He earned his nickname "Stonewall" here because of the strength of his forces as they repulsed the advancing Union troops. After the battle, he became commander of the Shenandoah Valley District. He became a hero and a legendary leader after the battle, too, and Southern leaders made him a general after the victory.

             Chapter VII: Romney.