First Battle of Bull Run
Fairfax County and Prince William County, Virginia
What happened
Union General Irvin McDowell attacked the Confederate army of General P.G.T. Beauregard, which was reinforced by General Joseph E. Johnston's troops. Northern leaders hoped for a quick march on Richmond. Near Manassas, Virginia, McDowell's army attacked, but the Confederates held and then counterattacked. On Henry House Hill, Thomas J. Jackson's brigade stood firm, earning him the nickname 'Stonewall', and the Union army retreated in disorder.
Why it matters
Result: Confederate victory. Leaders: Irvin McDowell against Joseph E. Johnston / P. G. T. Beauregard. Why it matters: Both sides had expected a short war. It was a Confederate victory, and the retreat was mocked in Southern newspapers as 'The Great Skedaddle'.
What came next
George B. McClellan replaced McDowell.
Did you know?
Thomas Jackson got the nickname 'Stonewall' at this battle.
Timeline
- April 12-13, 1861The war begins at Fort Sumter.
- July 21, 1861Confederate forces win the First Battle of Bull Run.
- July 1861George McClellan replaces McDowell.