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

Attack From Matthews Hill

Cannoneer's-Eye View

—First Battle of Manassas —

Attack From Matthews Hill Marker image. Click for full size.

By Shane Oliver, September 26, 2015

1. Attack From Matthews Hill Marker

Inscription. From the ridge beyond Stone House 15,000 Federals were swiftly advancing in this direction. Confederate Capt. John Imboden rushed four cannon into position here, to try to slow the Federal attack. Behind this slight rise the artillerists had some protection from enemy bombardment.

Though the smoke and dust, Imboden's men could see outnumbered Confederate infantry starting to fall back from Matthews Hill. The connoneers kept firing at top speed, knowing it would take massive reinforcements to stop the Yankees.

Retreating Confederates fled past Robinson House (the next tour stop) where Wade Hampton's South Carolinians made a desperate stand.

Location. 38° 48.975′ N, 77° 31.402′ W. Marker is near Manassas, Virginia, in Prince William County. Marker can be reached from Sudley Road (State Road 234) 0.3 miles south of Lee Highway (U.S. 29), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. The marker is one of the waysides along the Henry House Hill trail, which starts at the Manassas National Battlefield Park visitor center. Marker is in this post office area: Manassas VA 20109, United States of America.

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

Marker on Manassas Battlefield image. Click for full size.

By Bill Coughlin, November 8, 2007

2. Marker on Manassas Battlefield

(about 500 feet away); The Grave of Our Dear Mother, Judith Henry (about 500 feet away); Invaded Farmland (about 500 feet away but has been reported missing); a different marker also named Invaded Farmland (about 600 feet away); Wade Hampton (about 600 feet away); Honoring the Dead (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Honoring the Dead (about 600 feet away but has been reported missing). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manassas.

More about this marker. One the right side of the marker is a portrait of Capt. John Imboden. Above the portrait is a depiction of the view, with the Stone House indicated, along with a blue arrow showing the path of the Union attack.

Also see . . .
1. John Imboden. At First Manassas Captain Imboden commanded the Staunton Artillery armed with four Model 1841 6-pounder smoothbores. Later in the war, Imboden left the artillery to recruit a unit of partisans. Later promoted to Brigadier General, he fought in the Shenandoah Valley as a cavalry commander through much

Cannoneer's Eye View Wayside image. Click for full size.

By Craig Swain, May 4, 2008

3. Cannoneer's Eye View Wayside

of the war, but was involved with the Gettysburg Campaign in 1863. (Submitted on June 8, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

2. Supplemental Report of Captain John Imboden. Captain Imboden wrote this account of the battle. In his report he summarizes actions of his battery:
All my officers behaved throughout with heroic coolness and bravery, and the conduct of the men was that of veterans. (Submitted on December 31, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Categories. • War, US Civil •

The Cannoneer's Eye View image. Click for full size.

By Craig Swain, May 4, 2008

4. The Cannoneer's Eye View

From the bench next to the marker looking north. The Stone House stands at the intersection of Lee Highway (Old Warrenton Pike) and Sudley Road. Beyond the house is Matthews Ridge.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on June 8, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,657 times since then and 96 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 2, 2015, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on November 25, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of North Arlington, New Jersey. 3, 4. submitted on June 8, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.