Manassas in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Chinn Ridge
Second Battle of Manassas - Day Three
| | August 30, 1862 | |
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, September 4, 2015
1. Chinn Ridge Marker
The massive Confederate counterattack appeared unstoppable. General James Longstreets wing of the army upwards of 28,000 troops steadily pushed east toward Henry Hill. If the Confederates occupied that plateau, ironically the same ground on which the First Battle of Manassas had culminated the previous summer, they could cut off the Federals line of retreat and possibly annihilate the Union army.
Finally comprehending the magnitude of the crisis, General John Pope raced to save his command. Pope worked to establish a new defensive position and safeguard his avenue of escape. To gain time for his new line to take shape, the Federal commander ordered additional troops onto Chinn Ridge. Here a handful of Union brigades struggled to slow the Confederate advance and buy that time in blood.
Caption:
The Chinn Ridge Trail explores the ground on which some of the most sustained combat occurred during the Second Battle of Manassas. An exhibit at the trails end addresses the action at First Manassas. The trail is wheelchair accessible.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is August 30, 1863.
Location. 38° 48.429′ N, 77° 32.13′ W. Marker is in Manassas, Virginia, in Prince William County. It is on no 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 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Chinn Ridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Fight at the Fence Line (within shouting distance of this marker); Hazel Plain (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Defending the Cannon (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Defending the Cannon (approx. 0.2 miles away); Death of Fletcher Webster (approx. Ό mile away); a different marker also named Death of Fletcher Webster (approx. Ό mile away); Texas (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manassas.
Other markers no longer nearby. Fight at the Fenceline (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing); Kemper's Brigade (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); 73rd Ohio Infantry (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); Second Brigade (was about 700
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, September 4, 2015
2. Chinn Ridge Marker
Looking out onto Chinn Ridge to the northeast.
More about this marker. This marker replaces a previous marker entitled "Fight at the Fenceline" that was at this same location.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 1,091 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 16, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.
