RomanceEverAfter

Historical Romance Column

After the capture of Fort Sumter on April 14, 1861 by the South, Virginia (known as "Old Dominion") seceded from the Union. Arkansas, Tennessee and North Carolina followed Virginia’s succession. Three states debated over their decision, but eventually Missouri, Kentucky and Maryland remained with the Union. The Capitol of the Confederacy was transferred from Alabama to Richmond, Virginia; President Jefferson Davis and the Confederate government began.

Battlefield at Manassas
The battle of First Bull Run/Manassas was fought on July 21, 1861. The first battle of the war was a Confederate victory. The popular thought among the Northerners was that the sooner the Capitol at Richmond was captured, the quicker the rebellion would end. Brigadier General Irwin McDowell commanded 37,000 Union soldiers and marched to Richmond. A vast throng of Washingtonians followed the soldiers. The spectators brought along field glasses, picnic baskets and bottles of champagne. The onlookers believed it would not take long to teach the Rebels a lesson.

Brigadier General P. G. T. Beauregard had been alerted of the Union’s move to Manassas by Rose O’Neal Greenhow. General Beauregard moved his 22,000 troops to the southern bank of Bull Run Creek and created an eight-mile meandering line along the bank. General McDowell sent his men across Bull Run Creek and engaged battle. In the beginning, the battle was going well for the Union, and the civilians cheered the soldiers.

Memorial to General Barnard Elliott Bee

The battle was significant to the South because of their hero, General Thomas J. Jackson. The Confederate lines were wavering and falling back in disorder. Brigadier General Barnard Bee then looked at General Jackson’s steady lines along the southeast slope and yelled, "There is Jackson standing like a stone wall! Rally behind the Virginians!" As a result of the outcry, Jackson acquired the nickname "Stonewall." General Jackson became one of the South’s greatest heroes.

Statue of Stonewall Jackson

The turning point of the battle was imminent. The Confederates launched a counter-attack and the Union lines began to break. The Union retreat turned into a rout. Both sides were fighting with soldiers who had little experience, which led to panic and confusion but much bravery.

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