The Battles of Bull Run By Karan and Clifford

How Bull Run Started In July 1861 newspapers wanted President Lincoln to bring an end to the southern rebellion. After all of the pressure, Union General Irvin McDowell had a plan; he would take his large army of 35,000 men around Washington, thirty miles south and attack the Confederates. They would guard the important railroad intersection at Manassas, Virginia. If he wins, he’ll clear the path to Richmond. Near this was a river named Bull Run.

The Armies McDowell’s army was organized into four divisions of 35,000 men (in all). These divisions were commanded by Tyler, Hunter, Heintzlman, and Miles ( not entire names). The Southern army was more unwieldy, basically two armies with no divisions and thirteen independent brigades commanded by Bonham, Ewell, Jones, Longstreet, Early, Holmes, Beauregard, Jackson, and more (not entire names).

First Battle of Bull Run On July 21, 1861 General McDowell ordered the divisions of Hunter and Heintzelman (from Centreville) to march southwest on the Warrenton Turnpike and then to turn northwest to Sudley Springs while Tyler's division marched directly towards Stone Bridge. Tyler’s army blocked the main flanking column on the turnpike. They reached Stone Bridge around 6:00 a.m. A couple rounds of artillery alerted the Confederate Generals to attack but in the path stood 20,000 Union soldiers. A Union General shouted, “There stands Jackson like a stone wall!” (That’s how he became known as Stonewall Jackson.) In one lucky attempt the Confederates won!

Second Battle of Bull Run The second battle began on Aug , 1862 at Groveton. Part of the Union army was greatly reduced when they failed to prevent General Lee’s army. They had received no reinforcements or supplies. Their general, Pope, ordered McDowell and Porter to attack General Lee’s army where they were fired at by artillery and rifles. The Confederates won again when the Union fell back.

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