"This quiet stream, Bull Run, gave its name to these violent battles."* Located near Centerville, VA, this serene area seems hardly the site of such a battle as Manassas. Although not one of the more bloodier engagements, the neophyte soldiers on both sides were overwhelmed and wrote stirring descriptions such as this one of Private Reid of the Fourth South Carolina Infantry: "Language fails me in giving you an idea of the tremors of this battle." He then further elaborates about the deafening cannons and innumerable muskets. These once farmers and shopkeepers were not yet accustomed to the gory sights of war.

Nervous about the enlistment of the "ninety-day men" running out, the North invaded the South to try to capture the Manassas Junction, which would give McDowell a fast route to Richmond, the Confederate capital. The lack of speed in which the "green" Northern soldiers carried out the complex plan negated the intent of a surprise attack. Timing proved invaluable in other instances as well. If Jackson's troops had arrived a few hours later, the South might have already lost the battle. The First Battle of Manassas was the first battle in which a railroad was used for the movement of troops. A woman of eighty-five years was the only civilian casualty. Several monuments lay in remembrance of her. Stonewall Jackson received both his nickname and his fame. An interesting idea was brought up in Civil War Battlefields, a book by David J. Eicher. Barnard Elliot Lee's immortalizing words of Jackson have questionable meaning. Eicher speaks of the debate between whether Bee meant that Jackson was bravely blocking Union attacks, or whether Bee thought Jackson was uselessly blocking Bee's own troops, who were eager to attack.

After the battle, the Union army retreated in disarray. The South had successfully kept the North from invading. Stonewall Jackson had shown his exceptional abilities. Although the South won the battle, the long-term results of the battle may have favored the North. While the South grew complacent and over-confident, the North grimly prepared to put down a lengthy rebellion.

I was very impressed with the site. While trudging through mud-filled scrub, I learned about the plights of my ancestors. I enjoyed the 1-mile tour and seeing the cannons along the way. Through touring the area and looking at various artifacts, I have developed a deeper appreciation for the men who voluntarily gave up their lives at Bull Run.

* - This quote comes from an exhibit in the Bull Run Visitors Center.