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

Defending the Cannon

Second Battle of Manassas

— Day Three August 30, 1862 5:30 p.m. —

Defending the Cannon Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Shane Oliver, April 30, 2016

1. Defending the Cannon Marker

Inscription. As the Ohioans strived to delay the Confederates, Federal reinforcements rushed to Chinn Ridge in support. With these troops came the 5th Battery, Maine Light Artillery, under the temporary command of Lt. William F. Twitchell. The five guns unlimbered here atop the ridge, but the retreating Ohioans momentarily obstructed their field of fire.

With the onrushing Confederates nearly upon them, the battery unleashed a thunderous volley of canister that "seemed to shake the very Earth." The blast caused the Confederate line to shudder. Colonel Frederick Skinner of the 1st Virginia Infantry rode into the maelstrom wielding his sword. Following his example, the Confederates swarmed the battery and captured four of the cannon.

The fighting swirled around the guns for the next thirty minutes. This stubborn pocket of resistance caused the Confederates many lives and valuable time. Meanwhile, Federal reserves assembled in the rear to stave off disaster. By the time Confederate forces overcame Union opposition on Chinn Ridge, fresh Federal troops were waiting along Sudley Road and on the slopes of Henry Hill.

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

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

. A significant historical date for this entry is August 30, 1862.

Location. 38° 48.579′ N, 77° 31.982′ W. Marker is near Manassas, Virginia, in Prince William County. Marker can be reached from Sudley Road (Virginia Route 234) half a mile south of Lee Highway (U.S. 29), on the right when traveling south. Marker is located along the Chinn Ridge Trail (Driving Tour Stop 10) 0.2 miles north of the parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6511 Sudley Rd, 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. A different marker also named Defending the Cannon (here, next to this marker); Third Brigade (within shouting distance of this marker); Death of Fletcher Webster (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Death of Fletcher Webster (within shouting distance of this marker); Texas (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kemper's Brigade (about 300 feet away); Colonel Fletcher Webster (about 300 feet away); Second Brigade (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manassas.

More about this marker. Caption reads, "Painting by Don Troiani"

Also see . . .
1. Manassas National Battlefield Park. National Park Service (Submitted on May 13, 2016.)

2. Old Marker at this Location

Artillery Pieces near the "Defending the Cannon" Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Shane Oliver, April 30, 2016

2. Artillery Pieces near the "Defending the Cannon" Marker

. This marker replaced an older one at this location also titled “Defending the Cannon” (Submitted on May 13, 2016.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 12, 2016, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 480 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 12, 2016, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.