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

Blocking the Union Advance

— First Battle of Manassas —

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 12, 2008

1. Blocking the Union Advance Marker

Inscription. Knowing they were badly outnumbered, Evans' 900 Confederates stared across this open field, waiting for the enemy to appear over the crest of the hill. Their only hope was to slow the 15,000-man Federal column long enough for reinforcements to arrive.

When the first Federals topped the rise, the Confederates fired. Both sides rushed reinforcements into the fight, and the battle raged on a half-mile front. After 1 ½ hours, outflanked and overwhelmed, the Confederates retreated in disarray toward Henry Hill. The battle seemed lost.

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

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. 38° 49.42′ N, 77° 31.82′ W. Marker is in Manassas, Virginia, in Prince William County. Marker is on Sudley Road (U.S. 234) 0.4 miles 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 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 location. The Fight for Matthews Hill (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rhode Island Battery (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Blocking the Union Advance

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(about 700 feet away); The Matthew Farm (about 800 feet away); 4th Alabama Infantry (about 800 feet away); 2nd Rhode Island Infantry (approx. 0.2 miles away); Federal Artillery Positions (approx. ¼ mile away); U.S. Infantry Battalion (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manassas.

More about this marker. On the right side of the marker is a painting depicting The 4th Alabama Infantry reinforced the Confederate line. In the lower center is a portrait of Col. Egbert J. Jones, who led the 4th Alabama to shore up the Confederate line. Wounded and captured, Jones responded defiantly, "You may have me..., but ten thousand... will take my place." His response proved prophetic.

This marker was replaced by a new one also named Blocking the Union Advance (see nearby markers).

Blocking the Union Advance Wayside image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 12, 2008

2. Blocking the Union Advance Wayside

Crest of the Hill image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 12, 2008

3. Crest of the Hill

Looking from the marker location to the north. Burnside's Federal Brigade crested Matthews Hill, seen in the distance where the artillery pieces now stand, and were engaged by Evans' Confederate Brigade. Evans' Brigade formed in the vicinity of the marker. Bee's Brigade arrived and formed to the right (east) of Evans. Finally Bartow's Brigade formed on the right of Bee's men. These three infantry brigades, supported by an artillery battery and small cavalry detachments, bore the brunt of the morning fighting.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2017. It was originally submitted on July 28, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,405 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 28, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.