Remembered as the first major land battle of the Civil War, Bull Run’s story is one of initial enthusiasm that quickly turned to sobering reality. Imagine being here on July 21, 1861.
Bull Run, also known as the Battle of First Manassas by the Confederates, marked a turning point. It forced both the North and South to recognize the war would be long and bloody. The battle took place in Prince William County Virginia. It is about thirty miles west-southwest of Washington D.C.
Months after the war’s start at Fort Sumter, the Northern public clamored for action. They wanted a march on the Confederate capital of Richmond. This was expected to quickly end the Confederacy. President Lincoln yielded to political pressure. Brigadier General Irvin McDowell led his inexperienced Union Army across Bull Run. Their target was the equally green Confederate Army. Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard commanded it. His forces were camped near Manassas Junction.
McDowell planned a surprise flank attack. However, it was poorly executed. Confederate reinforcements, under Brigadier General Joseph E. Johnston, arrived by railroad from the Shenandoah Valley. A brigade of Virginians, led by Thomas J. Jackson, stood firm. This earned Jackson the nickname “Stonewall”. The Confederates launched a strong counterattack. Union troops began to withdraw under fire. Many panicked, turning the retreat into a rout. McDowell’s men ran towards Washington D.C.
Both armies were shocked by the fierce fighting and heavy casualties. They realized the war would be longer and bloodier than anticipated. The First Battle of Bull Run highlighted many early war problems. Units were committed piecemeal. Attacks were frontal. Infantry failed to protect artillery. Tactical intelligence was minimal. Neither commander effectively used his whole force. McDowell, with 35000 men, committed only about 18000. The combined Confederate forces, with about 32000 men, also committed 18000.
Before the battle, Union forces and civilians expected an easy victory. Wealthy Washingtonians even came to picnic and watch. When the Union army retreated in disorder, roads back to Washington were blocked by panicked civilians. The retreat became known as “The Great Skedaddle” in the Southern press. Confederate President Jefferson Davis urged Beauregard and Johnston to press their advantage. However, their army was disorganized.
In Washington, President Lincoln waited for news of a Union victory. Instead, he received a telegram stating McDowell’s army was in full retreat. The day was lost. Save Washington and the remnants of the army. In Richmond, President Davis telegraphed that they had won a glorious victory.
The battle was a clash between ill-trained recruits led by inexperienced officers. Neither army commander effectively deployed his forces. Although nearly 60000 men were present, only 36000 were engaged. McDowell expended energy maneuvering regiments instead of coordinating his army. Other factors contributed to McDowell’s defeat. These included Patterson’s failure to hold Johnston in the valley and McDowell’s delay at Centreville.
Bull Run was the largest and bloodiest battle in United States history up until that point. Union casualties were 460 killed, 1124 wounded, and 1312 missing or captured. Confederate casualties were 387 killed, 1582 wounded, and 13 missing.
The Confederate victory led to overconfidence. It also prompted a determined organizational effort by the Union. The name of the battle has caused controversy. The Union Army named battles after rivers and creeks. Confederates used nearby towns or farms. The U.S. National Park Service uses the Confederate name for its national battlefield park. However, Bull Run is also widely used.
The First Battle of Bull Run demonstrated the war would not be won quickly. Both sides began preparing for a long conflict. The battle also showed the need for trained officers and men. One year later, many of the same soldiers would fight on the same battlefield at the Second Battle of Bull Run.