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Printable Version
Any hopes for a swift northern victory in the Civil War were
dashed at the First Battle of Bull Run (called Manassas by the
Confederates). After the surrender of Fort Sumter, two Union armies
moved into northern Virginia. One, led by General Irvin McDowell
(1818-1885), had about 35,000 men; the other, with about 18,000
men was led by General Robert Patterson (1792-1881). They were
opposed by two Confederate armies, with about 31,000 troops, one
led by General Joseph E. Johnston (1807-1891), another led by
General Pierre G.T. Beauregard (1818-1893). Both Union and Confederate
armies consisted of poorly trained volunteers.
McDowell hoped to destroy Beauregard's forces while Patterson
tied up Johnston's men; in fact, Johnston's troops eluded McDowall
and joined Beauregard. At Bull Run in northern Virginia 25 miles
southwest of Washington, the armies clashed. While residents of
Washington ate picnic lunches and looked on, Union troops launched
several assaults. When Beauregard counterattacked, Union forces
retreated in panic, but Confederate forces failed to take up pursuit.
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