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History: The American Civil War: First Bull Run (First Manassas)

A research guide giving an overview of the American Civil War for general knowledge.

Battle Commanders

Portrait of Irvin McDowell

Brig. Gen. Irvin McDowell,

Army of Northeastern Virginia

Photograph of Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard

P.G.T Beauregard,

Army of the Potomac

Resources on battle

Artwork of Battle

First Battle of Bull Run by Kurz & Allison

First Battle of Bull Run by Kurz & Allison

The first Battle of Bull Run was fought on July 21 1861, and was the first major battle of the Civil War. The battle ended in a decisive confederate victory. The battle was marked with confusion as both sides had regiments wearing gray and blue. A second battle was fought a year later known as the Second Battle of Bull Run or Second Manassas to the Confederates. The battle involved 32,230 confederates and 28,450 Union soldiers. Casualties were 1,982 for the confederates and 2,896 for the Union. This is also the battle from which Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson gets his nickname "Stonewall" Jackson.

Animated Battle Map