The First Battle of Bull Run describes the first major land battle of the American Civil War, fought near Manassas in July 1861. It follows the inexperienced Union and Confederate armies, the contest around Henry House Hill and the arrival of reinforcements that turned an initially successful Union advance into a disorderly retreat.
The battle made Thomas J. Jackson famous as “Stonewall” and exposed the weaknesses of both armies. Its political effect was equally important: the defeat ended northern hopes of a quick victory and forced both governments to prepare for a much longer and more demanding war.
