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

The Rock Fight

Second Battle of Manassas

— Day Three, August 30, 1862 —

The Rock Fight Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, November 15, 2010

1. The Rock Fight Marker

As restored.

Inscription. Yankees were pinned down on the far side of the embankment, only ten yards away. After twenty minutes of continuous shooting, Confederates here were running out of ammunition. Frantically, they searched their dead and wounded comrades for cartridges. Others pried stones from the railroad grade and hurled them down on the enemy. Already shell-shocked, some bewildered Federals threw the stones right back.

The rock fight lasted only a minute. Reinforcements arrived and drove off the Federals.

The rock-throwing had no effect on the battle’s outcome; the Federal attack had already weakened—yet the incident grew legendary, an image of the desperate, close-quarters fighting at Deep Cut.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Manassas Gap Railroad series list.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. 38° 49.279′ N, 77° 33.221′ W. Marker is near Manassas, Virginia, in Prince William County. Marker can be reached from Featherbed Lane (continuation of Groveton Road) (County Route 622) half a mile north of Lee Highway (formerly the Warrenton Turnpike) (U.S. 29). Marker is on

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the Deep Cut loop trail, a 0.4 mile hike west from the Deep Cut Battlefield parking lot in the Manassas National Battlefield Park. 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 10 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named The Rock Fight (a few steps from this marker); 24th New York Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); Fourth Brigade (within shouting distance of this marker); 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); Groveton Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Groveton Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); 13th New York Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); 15th Alabama Infantry (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Second Brigade (about 600 feet away); 20th New York State Militia (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manassas.

More about this marker. This marker was replaced by a new one also named The Rock Fight (see nearby markers).

Additional keywords. The unfinished railroad. The Independent Line of the Manassas Gap Railroad.

Detail from Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, March 11, 2007

2. Detail from Marker

Damaged Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, February 8, 2009

3. Damaged Marker

With all the clearing in the vicinity of the marker, some damage was done to the marker.

Marker on Deep Cut Trail image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, March 11, 2007

4. Marker on Deep Cut Trail

This portion of the trail is is on the unfinished railroad bed, which was graded higher than the surrounding land at this point as it approached Dogan Branch (a stream). The Confederates were on one side of the railroad bed, the Federals on the other. There were no trees here in 1862; they have grown since, altering the battlefield.

The Railroad Bed image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, February 8, 2009

5. The Railroad Bed

A pile of rocks marks the location of an embankment used by the railroad bed. At the time of the battle the unfinished railroad afforded the Confederates an advantageous defensive position.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 24, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,718 times since then and 95 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 2, 2011, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on March 24, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3. submitted on April 26, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on March 24, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 5. submitted on April 26, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.