The First Battle of Bull Run
The First Battle of Bull Run, which was also called First Manassas by the Confederates, was fought on July 16th, 1861 in Prince William county near Manassas in Virginia. A few months after the start of the Civil War, the north planned to march to Richmond, Virginia to end the rebellion. Brigade General Irvin McDowell led the Union Army across Bull Run to where the Confederate Army, led by Brigade General P. G. T. Beauregard was camped. The north's surprise attack had failed but the Confederate attack on the left flank had also failed. A strong counterattack by the Confederate Army under Joseph E. Johnston's leadership was made. The Union troops began to withdraw under fire and ran towards Washington D.C. without any order. The Northern Casualty total was 2,896 and the Southern was 1,982. This battle was a confederate victory. The First Battle of Bull Run was significant to the Civil War because it made both sides realize that the war would last longer than they had originally thought.