Civil War
Bull Run
This was considered the first major battle of the Civil War, and took place during the summer of 1861. On July 21, 1861 General Irvin McDowell led about 30,000 Union troops into northern Virginia, near Manassas Junction by a small river known as Bull Run. From there he attacked a Confederate force of the same size, civilians from Washington D.C. went to the battle sight to watch and picnic.At first the Yankees had the upper hand, but the South quickly became inspired when General Thomas Jackson, also known as “Stonewall Jackson, showed up with reinforcements. The Union troops were forced to retreat bumping into residents from D.C. fleeing as well.
The loss surprised the North and caused them to realize that the war would be long, expensive, and extremely difficult. President Lincoln appointed a new general, George B. McClellan, who was put in charge of organizing the Union army of the East. This was a Confederate victory.
The loss surprised the North and caused them to realize that the war would be long, expensive, and extremely difficult. President Lincoln appointed a new general, George B. McClellan, who was put in charge of organizing the Union army of the East. This was a Confederate victory.
