Near Manassas in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Third Brigade

— Second Battle of Manassas —

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 19, 2008

1. Third Brigade Marker

Inscription. August 30, 1862
5:30 p.m.

Second Division (Ricketts)
Third Corps (McDowell)
Army of Virginia, USA

Third Brigade
Col. John W. Stiles
12th Massachusetts - 83rd New York
13th Massachusetts - 11th Pennsylvania
"Our boys dropped like tenpins before an expert player. Ten feet to my left the tall sergeant of Company F sank down in a heap, shot squarely through the head. Franks went down with a bullet through the face. Stevens was swearing like mad, shot through the thigh. A man I did not recognize dropped just in front. I heard the bullets chug into his body; it seamed half a dozen struck him. I shall never forget the look on his face as he turned over and died."
-Pvt. George D. Paine
13th Massachusetts

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.

Location. 38° 48.612′ N, 77° 31.964′ W. Marker is near Manassas, Virginia, in Prince William County. Marker can be reached from Chinn Ridge Loop, 0.6 miles west of Sudley Road (Virginia Road 234), on the right when traveling west. Located at the Chinn Ridge Loop walking trail, in the Manassas National Battlefield Park. The trail starts at stop nine of the driving tour of the battlefield. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Manassas VA 20109, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Death of Fletcher Webster (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Death of Fletcher Webster (a few steps from this marker); Texas (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonel Fletcher Webster (within shouting distance of this marker); Defending the Cannon (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Defending the Cannon (within shouting distance of this marker); Kemper's Brigade (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Second Brigade (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manassas.

Third Brigade Trail Stop image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 19, 2008

2. Third Brigade Trail Stop

An interpretive marker titled Death of Fletcher Webster is just beyond the Third Brigade marker on the trail.

Third Brigade Deploys image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 19, 2008

3. Third Brigade Deploys

Looking past the Webster Monument, to the southeast down Chinn Ridge. Corps commander General McDowell ordered Stile's Brigade into the fighting to support Tower's Brigade. The 83rd New York was posted to the left (east) of the Federal Line, between Chinn Ridge and Bald Hill. The remainder of the regiment advanced directly down Chinn Ridge. The 12th Massachusetts formed on the right, along the crest of the ridge. The 11th Pennsylvania was the center. And the 13th Massachusetts deployed on the right, in the Chinn Run Valley. At first, the three regiments formed a line behind the disorganized Federal lines near the 5th Maine battery, kneeling with fixed bayonets. After a few moments, the line was advanced, although with much confusion. Near that same time, two additional Confederate brigades joined the fight on Chinn Ridge, bringing the already hot fighting to a higher level.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,106 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 2, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.