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

Flight from Matthews Hill

First Battle of Manassas, July 21, 1861, 11:30 a.m.

Photographed By Samuel Paik, September 9, 2017

1. Flight from Matthews Hill Marker

Inscription. The First Battle of Manassas started on Matthews Hill — the prominent rise one-half mile ahead of you. Thousands of Federals were swiftly advancing in this direction. Confederate Capt. John Imboden rushed four cannon into position near here to try and slow the Federal attack. The artillerists fired at top speed, knowing it would take massive reinforcements to stop the Yankees.

Confederate resistance on Matthews Hill collapsed after ninety minutes of combat. Through smoke and dust, the fugitives fled past the Stone House and across the Warrenton Turnpike (U.S. Rte. 29 today). The retreating Rebels scrambled up the slopes of the Henry and Robinson farms in search of a place to rally. Imboden's gunners fired a few parting shots and then galloped to the rear.

Erected by Manassas National Battlefield Park, 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 date for this entry is July 21, 1861.

Location. 38° 48.976′ N, 77° 31.402′ W. Marker is near Manassas, Virginia, in Prince William County. Marker can be reached from Sudley Road (State Road 234) half a mile south of Lee Highway (U.S. 29), on the right when traveling north. The marker is one of the waysides

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along the Henry House Hill trail, which starts at the Manassas National Battlefield Park visitor center. Touch for map. Marker is 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 marker. The Marines of '61 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Colonel Cameron (about 500 feet away); Judith Henry (about 500 feet away); Invaded Farmland (about 600 feet away); Honoring the Dead (about 600 feet away); Wade Hampton (about 600 feet away); 1st Battle of Bull Run Memorial (about 600 feet away); Lieutenant Ramsey (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manassas.

More about this marker. Painting by Mark Churms, '17

Also see . . .
1. Manassas National Battlefield Park. National Park Service (Submitted on September 11, 2017.)

2. Old Marker at this Location. This marker replaced an older one at this location titled “Attack From Matthews Hill” (Submitted on September 11, 2017.)

Photographed By Samuel Paik, September 9, 2017

2. Flight from Matthews Hill Marker

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 20, 2023

3. Flight from Matthews Hill Marker

The Stone House seen from the location of Flight From Matthews Hill Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Samuel Paik, September 9, 2017

4. The Stone House seen from the location of Flight From Matthews Hill Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2017, by Samuel Paik of Gainesville, Virginia. This page has been viewed 363 times since then and 42 times this year. Last updated on February 4, 2024, by Devon Polzar of Port Washington, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 10, 2017, by Samuel Paik of Gainesville, Virginia. 3. submitted on April 29, 2023, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on September 10, 2017, by Samuel Paik of Gainesville, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.