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First
Manassas
Manassas, Virginia
July, 21, 1861
This was the first major land battle of the armies in
Virginia. On July 16, 1862,
the untried Union army under Brig. Gen. Irvin McDowell marched from
Washington against the Confederate
army, which was drawn up behind Bull Run
beyond Centreville.
On the 21st, McDowell crossed at Sudley
Ford and attacked the Confederate left flank on Matthews Hill. Fighting
raged throughout the day as Confederate forces were driven back to Henry
Hill. Late in the afternoon, Confederate reinforcements (one brigade
arriving by rail from the Shenandoah Valley)
extended and broke the Union right flank.
The Federal retreat rapidly deteriorated into a rout. Although
victorious, Confederate forces were too disorganized to pursue. Confederate
Gen. Bee and Col. Bartow were killed. Thomas J. Jackson earned the nom de
guerre "Stonewall." By July 22, the shattered Union army reached
the safety of Washington.
This battle convinced the
Lincoln administration that the
war would be a long and costly affair. McDowell was relieved of command of
the Union army and replaced by Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan, who set about
reorganizing and training the troops.
Result(s):
Confederate victory
Location: Fairfax
County and
Prince
Williams County
Campaign: Manassas Campaign (July 1861)
Date(s): July
21, 1861
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. Irvin McDowell
[US]; Brig. Gen. Joseph E. Johnston and Brig. Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard [CS]
Forces Engaged: 60,680 total (US 28,450; CS 32,230)
Estimated Casualties: 4,700
total (US 2,950; CS 1,750)
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