James W. Jackson Bookmark

Virginia legally seceded on May 24, 1861 and patriots rightfully hoisted Confederate flags. James Jackson the owner of Marshall House in Alexandria, Virginia raised his large flag atop his hotel; and it wa…

Virginia legally seceded on May 24, 1861 and patriots rightfully hoisted Confederate flags. James Jackson the owner of Marshall House in Alexandria, Virginia raised his large flag atop his hotel; and it was visible from the White House across the river. Orders were given to dispatch Col. Elmer Ellsworth's New York Zouaves to remove it. At 2:00 AM they crossed the river and surreptitiously made their way up King Street to the Hotel. They entered the hotel and quickly made their way to the roof where Ellsworth cut down the flag and the unit began to make their retreat. Awakened by the foot-falls James Jackson entered his hallway with a shotgun to defend his property. He immediately shot Ellsworth then was shot and bayoneted by the Zouaves. He died defending his property from foreign invasion.