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

REMOVED

SEE LOCATION SECTION

Cavalry Clash

— Second Battle of Manassas - Day Three - August 30, 1862 —

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 12, 2008

1. Cavalry Clash Marker

Inscription. These open fields and low hills make ideal terrain for a cavalry fight. Here on the Lewis property, John Buford's cavalry was guarding the Union Army's left flank during the retreat from Henry Hill. Scouts reported Rebel cavalry approaching fast. Buford decided to attack immediately from the ridge where Route 66 now runs. By then the opposing columns were close enough to hear each other's commands: "Draw sabers! Forward, trot!"

The lines of cavalry met head-on. Men were knocked from their mounts; dying horses rolled in the dirt. In the first charge, the Federals routed their foes, but through the blinding dust came Rebel reinforcements: Jeb Stuart's regiments, yelling and shooting pistols. The outnumbered Federals retreated - riderless horses, wounded men on foot all trying to get away.

Confederates pursued across Bull Run to Centreville Road, where Buford's cavalry rejoined the main retreat column. Afterward Stuart's men were surprised that Union cavalry had put up such a good fight.

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

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 48.44′ N, 77° 30.373′ W. Marker was near Manassas

Paid Advertisement

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

Click or scan to see
this page online

, Virginia, in Prince William County. Marker could be reached from Vandor Lane, on the right when traveling east. Located on a park access road to the north (a left turn) off Vandor Lane. It is also north of Interstate 66. The location is stop ten of the driving tour of Manassas Battlefield. Touch for map. Marker was 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. A different marker also named Cavalry Clash (here, next to this marker); Confederate Headquarters (a few steps from this marker); Portici (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Arrival of Jefferson Davis (approx. 0.3 miles away); Turning the Tide (approx. 0.8 miles away); Charge on Griffin’s Guns (approx. 0.8 miles away); 7th Georgia Regiment (approx. 0.8 miles away); Point Blank Volley (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manassas.

More about this marker. In the upper right is a sketch depicting the cavalry fight. On the lower right is a map illustrating the action. In the lower center are portraits of Gens. John Buford and J.E.B. Stuart.

This marker was replaced by a new one, with the same title - "Cavalry Clash". See nearby markers.

Markers on the Manassas Battlefield image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 8, 2007

2. Markers on the Manassas Battlefield

Two markers are found at this location. The Cavalry Clash marker is seen here on the right.

Cavalry Clash Map image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 12, 2008

3. Cavalry Clash Map

Note the north seeking arrow pointed to the bottom of the map.

Location of the Cavalry Fight image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 12, 2008

4. Location of the Cavalry Fight

Looking southeast from the marker location. The site of the cavalry clash today is roughly in the distant center, where the roofs of the large buildings peak above the tree line. Interstate 66 runs from left to right across this photograph, but is hidden from view by rather strategically placed tree lines.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,145 times since then and 7 times this year. Last updated on August 1, 2022, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on July 31, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on November 25, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3, 4. submitted on July 31, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.