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

Second Brigade

— Second Battle of Manassas —

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 19, 2008

1. Second Brigade Marker

Inscription. August 30, 1862
5:15 p.m.

Second Division (Ricketts)
Third Corps (McDowell)
Army of Virginia, USA

Second Brigade
Brig. Gen. Zealous B. Tower
26th New York - 88th Pennsylvania
94th New York - 90th Pennsylvania
"The regiment rushed up on the double quick and the companies deployed as best they could, facing the enemy's line near the Chinn House. Very soon the Confederates advanced in many lines of battle. We at once opened fire on them, checking their advance. But the infantry fire was so very destructive that our men were at a loss how to return it effectively. It was just impossible to get the companies in order to successfully resist the Rebel advance."
-John Vautier
88th Pennsylvania Infantry

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.

Location. 38° 48.516′ N, 77° 32.026′ W. Marker is near Manassas, Virginia, in Prince William County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Chinn Ridge Loop and Sudley Road (Virginia Road 234), on the right when traveling west. Located at the Chinn Ridge Loop walking trail, in the Manassas National Battlefield Park. The trail starts at stop nine of the driving tour of the battlefield. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Manassas VA 20109, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Kemper's Brigade (within shouting distance of this marker); Defending the Cannon (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Defending the Cannon (about 400 feet away); Fight at the Fence Line (about 500 feet away); 73rd Ohio Infantry (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Kemper's Brigade (about 600 feet away); Third Brigade (about 700 feet away); Texas (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manassas.

Second Brigade Trail Stop image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 19, 2008

2. Second Brigade Trail Stop

In the distance beyond the marker is the second Kemper's Brigade marker.

Chinn Branch Valley image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 19, 2008

3. Chinn Branch Valley

Looking to the east of the marker at the valley between Chinn Ridge and Bald Hill, through which Chinn Branch flowed. The 90th Pennsylvania initially deployed along the crest facing west, but turned to face southwest, with it's right flank resting near the marker location. The 88th Pennsylvania deployed next to 90th, in the middle of this open field. The 94th New York deployed on the 88th Pennsylvania, further out in this field. The 26th New York had been disordered by Confederate fire, and was employed in piecemeal during this action.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 987 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 1, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.