The first Battle of Bull Run

        The first Battle of Bull Run took place near a small river called Bull Run and a Manassas Junction.  General Irvin McDowell commanded the Union troops and Joseph E. Johnston commanded the Confederate troops.

         The first union attack seemed successful and the confederate lines fell back.  During the attack Thomas (Stonewall) Jackson’s brigade stood like a stonewall.  Then the Confederate army was reinforced and McDowell army retreated.  The retreat was recalled as an unorganized flight back to D.C.  After the battle the South rejoiced and created a false sense of security. 

The Second Battle of Bull Run

        After the first battle of Bull Run there was a lull in fighting in Northern Virginia.  The battle came about when a series of Battles broke out in the east.

        General Stonewall Jackson and General James Longstreeet were in command of the Confederate Army.  General John Pope commanded the Union Army.