Hopes for peace were dashed on July 21, 1861. The First Battle of Bull Run shattered the naive expectations of a quick and bloodless Civil War. The battle underscored the harsh reality that the war would be neither swift nor easy, setting the stage for the long and brutal conflict that followed.
In the months leading up to the battle, tensions between the Union and Confederate forces had been escalating. Both sides were eager to demonstrate their strength and resolve. The Union forces, under the command of Brigadier General Irvin McDowell, were under considerable pressure from politicians and the public to launch an offensive and swiftly end the rebellion. On the Confederate side, Brigadier Generals P.G.T. Beauregard and Joseph E. Johnston were tasked with defending strategic points and maintaining the momentum of the Confederate cause.
McDowell’s plan was to move his 35,000 troops southwest from Washington, D.C., and strike a decisive blow against the 22,000 Confederate troops stationed at Manassas Junction. His strategy involved a complex flanking maneuver aimed at surprising the Confederates and forcing a retreat. However, the inexperience of McDowell’s troops and the logistical challenges of coordinating such a large movement quickly became apparent.
On the morning of July 21, Union forces initiated their assault, crossing Bull Run Creek and engaging Confederate forces at Matthews Hill. Initially, the Union troops achieved some success, pushing the Confederates back. However, as the battle progressed, Confederate reinforcements arrived, including troops led by General Thomas J. Jackson, who would earn the nickname “Stonewall” for his steadfast defense. Jackson’s men took a strong defensive position on Henry House Hill, forming a line that withstood repeated Union attacks.
Throughout the day, the battle ebbed and flowed, with both sides experiencing moments of advantage and setback. The chaos of the battlefield was compounded by the inexperience of many of the soldiers, some of whom were engaging in combat for the first time. Despite their initial success, Union forces struggled to maintain cohesion and momentum. Confederate reinforcements continued to bolster their defensive positions, and by the afternoon, they began to push back against the Union assault.
A crucial turning point in the battle occurred when Confederate cavalry under the command of Colonel J.E.B. Stuart successfully flanked the Union right. This maneuver caused confusion and panic among Union troops, who began to retreat in disorder. The Confederate forces capitalized on the situation, launching a counteroffensive that routed the Union army. The retreat quickly turned into a chaotic and disorganized flight back toward Washington, D.C.
The aftermath of the battle was sobering for both sides. The Union army suffered approximately 2,900 casualties, including killed, wounded, and missing soldiers. Confederate casualties were slightly lower, around 2,000. The battle exposed the lack of preparedness and experience among both sides.
Politically, the battle had significant ramifications. In the North, the defeat prompted calls for a more determined and organized effort to defeat the Confederacy. President Abraham Lincoln responded by calling for 500,000 additional volunteers and appointing Major General George B. McClellan to reorganize and train the Union Army. In the South, the victory bolstered morale and strengthened the resolve to continue the fight for independence.
The First Battle of Bull Run demonstrated the harsh realities of war and foreshadowed the lengthy and grueling conflict that would follow.
