Near Manassas in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
20th New York State Militia
"Ulster Guard"
— Second Battle of Manassas —
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 15, 2009
1. 20th New York State Militia Marker
On the left side of the marker is a flash used by the regiment.
3:15 p.m.
3rd Brigade (Patrick), First Division (Hatch)
Third Corps (McDowell)
Army of Virginia (Pope), USA
20th New York State Militia
(80th New York Volunteers)
"Ulster Guard"
Col. George W. Pratt
"The order was given to advance, and the three lines moved slowly forward, receiving the enemy's musketry and canister. The first and second lines melted away, and I found myself in the first line and under a murderous fire. The right of my line advanced to within a few yards of the railroad embankment behind which the enemy was posted, when, a large portion of officers and men being killed or wounded, the line fell back a few rods, closed up, and advanced again with the same result. For the third time the effort was repeated, but the fire was too heavy and my men had now become too few to give a hope of success."
- Lt. Col. Theodore B. Gates
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.
Location. 38° 49.365′ N, 77° 33.105′ W. Marker is near Manassas, Virginia
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 15th Alabama Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); Fourth Brigade (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); 24th New York Infantry (about 700 feet away); The Rock Fight (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named The Rock Fight (about 800 feet away); 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry (approx. 0.2 miles away); Groveton Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); Groveton Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manassas.
Also see . . . 20th New York State Militia. 80th New York Infantry Regiment service history. (Submitted on April 27, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 15, 2009
2. 20th New York State Militia Marker
The railroad bed run behind the marker.
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 15, 2009
3. Advance of the Ulster Guard
Looking south from the marker location. The Federals advanced from beyond the present day Featherbed Lane, and attacked through a stand of woods. Today the forest is denser than at the time of the battle, with more undergrowth.
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 15, 2009
4. Unfinished Railroad Bed
Looking down the unfinished railroad bed just west of the marker location. Confederates defended behind this embankment, preventing the Federals from breaking through.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,000 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 27, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
