First Battle Of Bull Run
The First Battle of Bull Run, also known as First Manassas, was on July 21, 1861, in Prince William County, Virginia. It was the first major battle of the Civil War.
Just months after the start of the war at Fort Sumter, the Northern people clamored for a battle against the Confederate Richmond, Virginia, which they expected to bring an early end to the war. Gen. Irvin McDowell led his unprepared Union Army toward Bull Run against the equally unprepared Confederate Army of Gen. Beauregard camped near Manassas Junction. McDowell's plan for a surprise attack on the Confederate troops, this plan was poorly executed by his leaders and men; but, the Confederates, who had been planning to attack the Union left flank, found themselves at an disadvantage.
Confederate troops under Gen. Joseph E. Johnston arrived by railroad and the battle quickly changed. A group of Virginians under a unknown colonel from Virginia, Thomas Jackson, stood their ground. The Confederates then launched a strong attack, and as the Union troops began retreating under fire, many panicked and it turned around around as McDowell's men ran without order in the direction of Washington, D.C. Both armies were brought back to reality by the fighting, and realized the war was going to be much longer than either had thought.
Willowcreek Middle School 4.9.13
Maxwell J.
Maxwell J.