Details of the Battle
The Battle of Bull Run began because of the attack on Fort Sumter. Northern newspapers were pressuring Pres. Lincoln to stop the Southern rebellion. Pres. Lincoln realized that the army he had enlisted to respond to this attack was only signed up for 90 days, and that would end soon. Union General McDowell was uncomfortable because his troops were not very well trained yet. He agreed to go ahead anyway and take action. He proposed a plan to march his army of 35,000 soldiers from Washington, D.C. 30 miles south to attack the Confederates at Manassas, Virginia. The Confederates were there protecting a main railroad junction. McDowell thought victory here would let the Union take over the Confederate capitol of Richmond next.
Both sides were poorly trained for war. One source said the troops only had training for 5 hours. As the Union troops marched south, the public followed them. Some had a picnic while watching the battle. They all thought the North would destroy the South.
The Union attacked first and the Confederates retreated to Henry House Hill. A part of the southern army under command of General "Stonewall" Jackson held their ground until 9000 more reinforcements came. This is where "Stonewell" Jackson earned his nickname. Soldiers said he stood stubborn in defense like a stone wall.
After this the Union retreated in defeat. They ran back home dropping weapons and supplies. The Confederate soldiers went behind them picking up their supplies. They were too tired to chase the Union troops. This battle ended in Confederate victory.
