First Bull Run

In July, 1861 the Union army protecting Washington and the Confederate army facing it were full of new recruits. Neither was ready for war. But the Union forces were larger in number and the political pressure to do something was …

1861-07-21

48

In July, 1861 the Union army protecting Washington and the Confederate army facing it were full of new recruits. Neither was ready for war. But the Union forces were larger in number and the political pressure to do something was overwhelming. So they marched forward into Virginia to begin the first major battle of the war. General McDowell’s plan of attack was solid. With his superior number’s he would hold the Confederates under General Beauregard in place in their positions protecting Manassas Junction while fording Bull Run to flank them. This would threaten or cut off their retreat and win the battle.

Manassas, Virginia

The First Battle of Bull Run, also known as the First Battle of Manassas, was the first major battle of the American Civil War and was a Confederate victory. The battle was fought on July 21, 1861 in Prince William County, Virginia, just north of the city of Manassas and about 30 miles west-southwest of Washington, D.C. The Union's forces were slow in positioning themselves, allowing Confederate reinforcements time to arrive by rail. Each side had about 18,000 poorly trained and poorly led troops in their first battle. It was a Confederate victory, followed by a disorganized retreat of the Union forces.

Wikipedia: First Battle of Bull Run

the Confederacy

the Union