Near Manassas in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Fighting in Twilight
The Hatch-Hood Collision
| — | Second Battle of Manassas - Day Two - August 29, 1862 | — |
Photographed by Tom Fuchs, June 11, 2006
1. Fighting in Twilight Marker
Officers said the Rebels were retreating. Hatch’s Division was ordered to pursue. Marching double-quick west on the turnpike, the Federals reached this hill just after sundown.
Suddenly the ridge erupted with fire. In the confusion—screaming horses, showers of earth and shrapnel—soldiers lined up in the wrong regiments.
In the dying light, New York troops saw movement in the dark woods to the left. Voices shouted “Don’t fire on us, boys, we are coming to help you!” The Federals held their fire, but then a terrible volley of bullets smacked into them. Muzzle-flashes revealed gray uniforms among the trees.
(sidebar) Maj. Gen. Irving McDowell said in loud tones, “General Hatch, the enemy is in full retreat. Pursue him rapidly!” At the same time, two miles west, Confederate Maj. Gen. James Longstreeet had ordered Hood’s Division to make a reconnaissance along the turnpike. The two forces collided here. Though darkness prevented any decisive action, the engagement had great significance. Longstreet and the other half of the Confederate Army had arrived on the field.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby.
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 10 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Twilight Clash (here, next to this marker); Brooklyn Fourteenth (a few steps from this marker); Federal Artillery Position (within shouting distance of this marker); Groveton Confederate Cemetery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Manassas National Battlefield Park (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Groveton Confederate Cemetery (about 400 feet away); New York Monuments (about 400 feet away); Monument To The Confederate Dead (about
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 8, 2007
2. Marker on Manassas Battlefield
Other markers no longer nearby. Re-Burying the Dead (was about 300 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Groveton (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed); Lucinda Dogan House (was about 800 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
More about this marker. This marker was replaced by a new one named Twilight Clash (see nearby markers).
Also see . . . Battle of Groveton. Shotgun's Home of the American Civil War website entry (Submitted on September 23, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Tom Fuchs, June 11, 2006
3. Just Before Twilight on the Ridge at Groveton
This marker is on the left, next to the cannon. The 14th Brooklyn monument is at the center. This view is west.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 25, 2007, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,078 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 25, 2007, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. 2. submitted on November 25, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3. submitted on February 25, 2007, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
