During the Civil War, on July 21, 1861, a battle broke out in Manassas, Virginia. This battle became known as the First Battle of Manassas by the North and the Battle of Bull Run by the South. On this this day, the Union Army had about 28,000 soldiers. They were commanded by General Irvin McDowell. The Confederate Army had about 33,000 soldiers. They were commanded by General P. G. T. Beauregard.

While the Union Army headed west out of Washington D.C. on their way towards the railroad junction at Manassas, they encountered the Confederate Army at a stream named Bull Run. This stream crossed in the path of the Union Army. The Union Army had the Confederate Army on the run, except for the brigade commanded by General "Stonewall" Jackson. General Jackson was able to hold the Union Army until General Johnston arrived with 9,000 reinforcements. The Confederate reinforcements changed the whole battle. The Union soldiers started fleeing back to Washington D.C. The Confederate Army could chase General McDowell's forces because they were disorganized.

This battle showed that the war would not be easily won by either the North or the South. For the Union, about 2,900 soldiers died went missing or were injured. For the Confederates, about 2,000 soldiers were dead went missing or were injured. I think the First Battle of Bull Run was a sad battle because so many lives where lost and the Union Army lost the battle. The Union Army would of won the battle if the Confederate reinforcements did not come. Both the Union and Confederate armies had good strategies on how to win the battle.