Near Manassas in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Matthews Hill
First Taste of Combat
| | First Battle of Manassas | |
Photographed by Craig Swain, May 4, 2008
1. Matthews Hill Marker
As Union infantry and artillery pushed forward, they could hear the enemy starting to charge upslope. In the distance ahead, near Henry House, Confederate reinforcements were coming into view. The chance for surprise was gone.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 38° 49.476′ N, 77° 31.934′ W. Marker was near Manassas, Virginia, in Prince William County. It was on Sudley Road (U.S. 234) half a mile north of Lee Highway (Route 29), on the right when traveling north. Located in the Manassas National Battlefield Park, along the Matthews Hill trail. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Manassas VA 20109, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was in the Washington Metropolitan Area, in Northern Virginia, and in the Piedmont. It was also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: The Fight for Matthews Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); Rhode Island Battery (within shouting distance of this marker);
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. Vision of Victory (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing); The Seventy-First Regiment (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
More about this marker. A drawing in the upper right of the marker depicts Col. John Slocum, commander of the 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, died that day - one of many killed on Matthews Hill. On the lower right is a map showing the Matthews Hill trail, with the caption Fifty yards downslope an exhibit gives the Confederate view of the fighting. By continuing on the 3/4 mile loop trail you can walk the entire Union and Confederate battle lines on Matthews Hill, and read the words of the combatants on troop
Photographed by Craig Swain, May 4, 2008
2. Matthews Hill Trail Map
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Virtual Tour by Markers of the Matthews Hill Loop Trail
Also see . . . First Manassas. Guided tour of the First Manassas Battlefield from the Army Center of Military History. (Submitted on June 16, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed by Craig Swain, May 4, 2008
3. Matthews Hill Markers
On the left is the Matthews Hill marker. On the right is the Vision of Victory marker. The white panel beyond the markers is a temporary informational sign detailing a project to restore historic woodlines.
Photographed by Craig Swain, May 6, 2007
4. Federal Lines
Looking from the cannon representing the Rhode Island Battery on Matthews Hill. Here Federals in Burnside's Brigade engaged Confederates in Evans' Brigade. The Confederates attacked up hill from the low ground in front of the guns.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2017. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,864 times since then and 14 times this year. Last updated on February 19, 2017, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 16, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
