Near Manassas in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Attack From Matthews Hill
Cannoneer's-Eye View
First Battle of Manassas
Photographed By Shane Oliver, September 26, 2015
1. Attack From Matthews Hill Marker
From the ridge beyond Stone House 15,000 Federals were swiftly advancing in this direction. Confederate Capt. John Imboden rushed four cannon into position here, to try to slow the Federal attack. Behind this slight rise the artillerists had some protection from enemy bombardment. Though the smoke and dust, Imboden's men could see outnumbered Confederate infantry starting to fall back from Matthews Hill. The connoneers kept firing at top speed, knowing it would take massive reinforcements to stop the Yankees.
Retreating Confederates fled past Robinson House (the next tour stop) where Wade Hampton's South Carolinians made a desperate stand.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 48.975′ N, 77° 31.402′ W. Marker was near Manassas, Virginia, in Prince William County. Marker could be reached from Sudley Road (State Road 234) 0.3 miles south of Lee Highway (U.S. 29), on the right
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 8, 2007
2. Marker on Manassas Battlefield
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Flight from Matthews Hill (here, next to this marker); The Marines of '61 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Colonel Cameron (about 500 feet away); The Grave of Our Dear Mother, Judith Henry (about 500 feet away); Invaded Farmland (about 600 feet away); Wade Hampton (about 600 feet away); Honoring the Dead (about 600 feet away); 1st Battle of Bull Run Memorial (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manassas.
More about this marker. One the right side of the marker is a portrait of Capt. John Imboden. Above the portrait is a depiction of the view, with the Stone House indicated, along with a blue arrow showing the path of the Union attack.
This marker was replaced by a new one named Flight from Matthews Hill (see nearby markers).
Also see . . .
1. John Imboden. At First Manassas Captain Imboden commanded the Staunton Artillery armed with four Model 1841 6-pounder smoothbores. Later in the war, Imboden left the artillery to recruit a unit of partisans. Later promoted to Brigadier General, he fought in the Shenandoah Valley as a cavalry commander through much of the war, but was involved with the Gettysburg Campaign in 1863. (Submitted on June 8, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. Supplemental Report of Captain John Imboden. Captain Imboden wrote this account of the battle. In his report he summarizes actions of his battery:
All my officers behaved throughout with heroic coolness and bravery, and the conduct of the men was that of veterans. (Submitted on December 31, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed By Craig Swain, May 4, 2008
3. Cannoneer's Eye View Wayside
Photographed By Craig Swain, May 4, 2008
4. The Cannoneer's Eye View
From the bench next to the marker looking north. The Stone House stands at the intersection of Lee Highway (Old Warrenton Pike) and Sudley Road. Beyond the house is Matthews Ridge.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,064 times since then and 70 times this year. Last updated on March 27, 2022, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. Photos: 1. submitted on October 2, 2015, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on November 25, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3, 4. submitted on June 8, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
