Near Centreville in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Strategic Crossing

First Battle of Manassas

— July 21, 1861 - 6 a.m. —

Strategic Crossing Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, September 4, 2015

1. Strategic Crossing Marker

Inscription. Originally constructed in 1825, the Stone Bridge carried the Warrenton Turnpike across Bull Run. Its ability to carry traffic across the steep-sided stream, even at times of high water, gave the bridge a key role in the Civil War. Both sides recognized its strategic importance.

At daybreak, Union artillery fired the opening shots of First Manassas from a ridge one-half mile to the east (behind you). The attack was a ruse. The main Union column circled upstream instead, intending to surprise and outflank the Confederates by crossing at the unguarded Sudley Ford.

Caption:
Prior to abandoning the Manassas area, Confederate troops blew up the original bridge in March 1862. The current structure dates to 1884.

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1825.

Location. 38° 49.467′ N, 77° 30.189′ W. Marker is near Centreville, Virginia, in Prince William County. Marker can be reached from Lee Highway (Virginia Route 29) 0.1 miles west of Paddington Lane, on the right when traveling west. The marker is at the Stone Bridge trailhead area, at the intersection of Paddington Lane and

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Lee Highway (previously the Warrenton Turnpike, also 29). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 16020 Lee Hwy, Centreville VA 20120, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Union Retreat (here, next to this marker); Stone Bridge (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fairfax County / Prince William County (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named The Stone Bridge (approx. 0.4 miles away); Opening Shots (approx. 0.4 miles away); 4th South Carolina Infantry (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Opening Shots (approx. 0.4 miles away); Farm Ford (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Centreville.

More about this marker. This marker replaced an older marker at this location titled, "Stone Bridge"

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 20, 2023

2. Strategic Crossing Marker

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, September 4, 2015

3. Strategic Crossing Marker

The marker is on the left. On the right is a marker entitled, "Union Retreat."

The Stone Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, September 4, 2015

4. The Stone Bridge

Credits. This page was last revised on May 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 17, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 777 times since then and 20 times this year. Last updated on March 27, 2022, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. Photos: 1. submitted on September 17, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 2. submitted on April 29, 2023, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3, 4. submitted on September 17, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.