Existing comment:
1861:
July 21: Battle of First Manassas, Virginia:
The North, anxious to end the rebellion quickly, rushed into conflict to seize the advantage. In the valley of Bull Run, 30 miles southwest of Washington, DC, an inexperienced Federal army under Brig. Gen. Irvin McDowell marched against and equally unprepared Confederate force under Brig. Gen. PGT Beauregard and Brig. Gen. Joseph E. Johnston. The Confederates, however, received timely reinforcements and routed the Federals from the field. The belief that the war would be short was shattered. |