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

Matthews Hill

First Taste of Combat

— First Battle of Manassas —

Matthews Hill Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 4, 2008

1. Matthews Hill Marker

Inscription. Officers were trying to hurry the long Union column down the road past Matthews Hill. (McDowell's flanking plan depended on speed and surprise.) Suddenly there was a rattle of musketry ahead. Like a nightmare in sunlight, men stumbled out of the dense smoke, horribly wounded. Two men rushed past carrying Colonel Slocum.

As Union infantry and artillery pushed forward, they could hear the enemy starting to charge upslope. In the distance ahead, near Henry House, Confederate reinforcements were coming into view. The chance for surprise was gone.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.

Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 38° 49.476′ N, 77° 31.934′ W. Marker was near Manassas, Virginia, in Prince William County. Marker was on Sudley Road (U.S. 234) half a mile north of Lee Highway (Route 29), on the right when traveling north. Located in the Manassas National Battlefield Park, along the Matthews Hill trail. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Manassas VA 20109, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. The Fight for Matthews Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); Rhode Island Battery (within shouting distance of this marker); Blocking the Union Advance

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(about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); 2nd Rhode Island Infantry (about 700 feet away); 4th Alabama Infantry (about 700 feet away); The Matthew Farm (about 800 feet away); First Contact (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Matthews Hill (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manassas.

More about this marker. A drawing in the upper right of the marker depicts Col. John Slocum, commander of the 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, died that day - one of many killed on Matthews Hill. On the lower right is a map showing the Matthews Hill trail, with the caption Fifty yards downslope an exhibit gives the Confederate view of the fighting. By continuing on the 3/4 mile loop trail you can walk the entire Union and Confederate battle lines on Matthews Hill, and read the words of the combatants on troop location markers. Hiking time is approximately 40 minutes.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Virtual Tour by Markers of the Matthews Hill Loop Trail

Also see . . .

Matthews Hill Trail Map image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 4, 2008

2. Matthews Hill Trail Map

First Manassas. Guided tour of the First Manassas Battlefield from the Army Center of Military History. (Submitted on June 16, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Matthews Hill Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 4, 2008

3. Matthews Hill Markers

On the left is the Matthews Hill marker. On the right is the Vision of Victory marker. The white panel beyond the markers is a temporary informational sign detailing a project to restore historic woodlines.

Federal Lines image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 6, 2007

4. Federal Lines

Looking from the cannon representing the Rhode Island Battery on Matthews Hill. Here Federals in Burnside's Brigade engaged Confederates in Evans' Brigade. The Confederates attacked up hill from the low ground in front of the guns.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2017. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,691 times since then and 5 times this year. Last updated on February 19, 2017, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 16, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.