Near Gainesville in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Jackson Opens Fire
Second Battle of Manassas
| | Day One, August 28, 1862, 6 p.m. | |
Photographed by Stephen Santelli, August 9, 2011
1. Jackson Opens Fire Marker
Observing a column of tired, unsuspecting Federal troops marching eastward on the Warrenton Pike (U.S. Rte. 29 today), General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson chose to reveal his position and draw the Union Army of Virginia into battle on ground favoring the Confederates. The Federals raced for cover along the roadside as Confederate shells burst overhead. The Battle of Second Manassas had begun.
Two divisions of Jackson's hardened infantry swarmed from the wooded ridge behind the house but met unexpected stiff resistance from six Union regiments that advanced from the turnpike. Confederate division commanders William Taliaferro and Richard Ewell were severely wounded in the intense, close range firefight that continued until darkness fell. The fight at Brawner's Farm ended in stalemate leaving Jackson frustrated by his troops' inability to break the Union line.
Erected 2011 by Manassas National Battlefield Park - National Park Service - Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area, in Northern Virginia, and in the Piedmont. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds 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 marker: 19th Indiana Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); A Stand Up Fight (within shouting distance of this marker); Archeology at Brawner Farm (within shouting distance of this marker); Jackson Strikes (within shouting distance of this marker); 2nd Wisconsin Infantry (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Brigade (about 500 feet away); Shooting Gallery (about 600 feet away); The Battle Begins (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gainesville.
Other markers no longer nearby. Dying in Line (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Shooting Gallery (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Stephen Santelli, August 9, 2011
2. Jackson Opens Fire Marker
Marker in the foreground, looking east along the trail that roughly marks the Union line on August 28.
Photographed by Stephen Santelli, August 9, 2011
3. Jackson Opens Fire Marker
Looking west with the Brawner Farm Interpretive Center in the background.
Photographed by Stephen Santelli, August 9, 2011
4. Jackson Opens Fire Marker
In the background, U.S. Rte. 29 (Lee Highway), where Jackson observed a Union column.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 20, 2016
5. Reconstructed Brawner House
Credits. This page was last revised on April 9, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2011, by Stephen Santelli of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,262 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 10, 2011, by Stephen Santelli of Morgantown, West Virginia. 5. submitted on February 19, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
