In July of 1861, the War Between the States had just barely begun. In February of that year, the Confederate States of America believing they had a right to secede from the United States of America, named a president (Jefferson Davis) and formed their own constitution. The Confederate Army began to seize control of the military forts in the states of the Confederacy. Fort Sumter in South Carolina, however, had to be taken by force, and after 34 hours of bloodless battle the fort was surrendered to the South. It became obvious to the residents of the Northern States that only a war could keep the nation together. Under heavy public pressure President Lincoln declared an insurrection and called for volunteers to join the military.
On July 16, 1861 an unprepared Union militia of 30,000 men marched from Washington to Manassas, Virginia to attack the Confederate troops protecting the railroad junction there. Defeating the Confederates at this location would open the way for Union soldiers to descend on Richmond, the capitol of the Confederate States. The Confederate spy network warned General Beauregard of the upcoming attack. General Beauregard readied his 22,000 troops and General Joseph Johnston joined him with 9,000 troops. The attack was not a well kept secret. Many residents of Washington followed the Union army to watch the defeat of the South.
Both sides believed the war would be one battle long with little bloodshed. The battle of Manassas was fought on July 21, 1861. During the early morning hours the Union army charged across Bull Run creek. Fighting raged throughout the day and Confederate soldiers were forced back up Henry Hill. Confederate General Thomas J. Jackson arrived with reinforcements. His troops broke the Union right flank and held firm as if they were a stone wall, earning Jackson the nickname which he carried through life and infamy; “General Stonewall Jackson”. The Union quickly retreated back to Washington, however the Confederate soldiers were too tired and unorganized to pursue and capitalize on their gain. Even so the Confederate Army was victorious for a second time in this young war.
Though both sides entered the battle feeling the war would be short lived, they finished the battle knowing otherwise. The United States Army suffered 2,950 casualties in deaths, injuries and prisoners of war. The Confederate States Army suffered 1,750 casualties.