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

REPLACED

CHECK OTHERS NEARBY

Farm Ford

July 21, 1861

— First Battle of Manassas —

Farm Ford Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, July 12, 2008

1. Farm Ford Marker

Inscription. Here, about 11:00 a.m., Col. William T. Sherman led his four regiments across Bull Run and joined the Union drive toward Henry Hill. Later that day the ford was used again, this time by the retreating Union army.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is July 21, 1861.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 49.641′ N, 77° 30.502′ W. Marker was near Manassas, Virginia, in Prince William County. It could be reached from Lee Highway (U.S. 29), on the right when traveling west. Located in the Manassas National Battlefield Park, along the Stone Bridge Trail loop. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Centreville VA 20120, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in the Washington Metropolitan Area,

in Northern Virginia,

and in the Piedmont.

It was also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found 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 location: A different marker also named Farm Ford (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Van Pelt House (approx. ¼ mile away); Opening Shots (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Opening Shots (approx. 0.3 miles away); 4th South Carolina Infantry (approx. 0.3 miles away); Union Retreat (approx. 0.3 miles away); Strategic Crossing

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(approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Stone Bridge (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manassas.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Stone Bridge (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker. The marker was replaced in 2012. See nearby marker by the same name.

Also see . . . Report of Col. William T. Sherman. Sherman included a rather detailed report after the battle. Of the crossing at Farm Ford, Sherman wrote, "We found no difficulty in crossing over, and met no opposition in ascending the steep bluff opposite with our infantry, but it was impassable to the artillery...." (Submitted on July 30, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Additional commentary.
1. Incorrect Location
Park historians at Manassas have concluded the long cited location of Farm Ford is incorrect. The ford was actually a few hundred yards upstream. This marker is due to be replaced in the near future by a marker placed at the newly established ford location.

— Submitted August 13, 2011, by Craig
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 12, 2008

2. Farm Ford Trail Stop
Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.

Farm Ford Today image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, July 12, 2008

3. Farm Ford Today

A sluggish Bull Run still meanders through.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,576 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 30, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.