First Bull Run

One of the major battles of the American Civil War is the First Bull Run battle. Irvin McDowell of the Union led a march from Washington, D.C. into Virginia to capture Richmond, the Confederate capital, and put an end to the war. However, the majority of McDowell's troops were novice 90-day volunteers who had signed up in the hope of engaging in a quick battle and had no idea what was ahead of them. They encountered an army under the command of Gen. Pierre G. T. Beauregard, which was guarding a crucial railroad intersection in Virginia at Manassas. The Confederates were first beaten back from the offensive by McDowell's soldiers, but reinforcements soon came, including a brigade led by then-Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson gained the moniker "Stonewall" for his determination to hold the line.

A total of 2,896 people are believed to have died, were injured, went missing, or were captured during the war's opening significant engagement. 1,982 of the Confederates who won the battle also perished. It became clear as each side recorded their casualties that the conflict would last longer and be bloodier than what Americans had anticipated.

Time: July 21, 1861

Place: Virginia