Lee-Jackson day ~ Lexington, Virginia
Event Description:
Lee-Jackson Day is a celebration of the lives of two great heroes and most noteworthy citizens of Lexington, Virginia. Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. 'Stonewall' Jackson were both born near this date which became a longstanding state holiday across the South. While neither man was born here, both spent the final years of their lives as residents of Lexington. Stonewall Jackson arrived here prior to the War Between the States and became an integral part of the community as a church leader and professor at the Virginia Military Institute. Robert E. Lee arrived in Lexington following the war and rescued a destitute college that was later renamed Washington and Lee in his honor. Both men are buried here which makes the town a fitting venue to commemorate their lives. We welcome you to join us as we honor not only their military genius, but their personal lives, faith, and character. We also encourage you to walk the streets and explore the town upon which both men left their permanent mark and legacy.
Our History
The holiday was originally created in 1889 to celebrate the birthday of General Robert E. Lee who was born on January 19, 1807. The holiday was put into effect by Governor Fitzhugh Lee who was a nephew of the general and had been a Confederate general himself. In 1904 the holiday was changed to include a tribute to Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson who was born on January 21, 1824. The change was made under the administration of Governor Andrew Jackson Montague.
2024 Events
The Stonewall Brigade - Camp #1296 Lexington, Virginia presents Lee-Jackson Day 2024 on January 12-13. This will be the 25th year of this annual event in Lexington.
The event includes a symposium on Friday, with at least 3 speakers. On Saturday, we start with a service at Stonewall Jackson's graveside. We then have a parade leaving Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery, through downtown Lexington. At the conclusion of the parade, we have a service for Lee, followed by a key note speaker, & luncheon. On Saturday evening we will have a dinner gala with a presentation by SCV Chief of Heritage Operations Ron Kennedy, followed by a good ol' fashioned Ball.
This will surely be the best Lee-Jackson Day event we've ever put on. Oh yeah, we'll also be celebrating Stonewall Jackson's 200th Birthday..!.