ON THIS DAY IN UNITED STATES HISTORY
July 21, 1861
The First Battle of Bull Run Begins
in the American Civil War
On this day in 1861, the First Battle of Bull Run began in the American Civil War. The First
Battle of Bull Run (also known as the First Battle of Manassas by the Confederates), was the first major land
battle of the American Civil War. It was fought in Manassas, Virginia, only about 30 miles from
Washington DC.
Although initially the Confederate army was pushed back, in the afternoon, Confederate reinforcements arrived and
broke the Union right flank sending the Union troops fleeing in panic. Few expected the level of
violence and number of casualties during the battle and when the dust had settled, both sides realized that the war
may last longer than originally expected.
|