Battle of Blackburn's Ford

Battle of Blackburn's Ford Bull Run Began: July 18, 1861 Ended: Same day Location: Prince William and Fairfax Counties, Virginia Theater: Eastern Theater Campaign: Manassas Campaign Outcome: Confederate victory Combatants Commanders Irvin McDowell Brigadier General, USA Daniel Tyler Brigadier General, USA Israel B. Richardson Brigadier General, USA P.G.T. Beauregard Brigadier General, CSA James Longstreet Brigadier General, CSA Jubal A. Early Colonel, CSA Strength 35,000 22,000 Casualties 83 68

On 16 July 1862, the untried Union army under Brig. Gen. Irvin McDowell, 35,000 strong, marched out of the Washington defenses to give battle to the Confederate army, which was concentrated around the vital railroad junction at Manassas. The Confederate army, about 22,000 men, under the command of Brig. Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard, guarded the fords of Bull Run. On July 18, McDowell reached Centreville and pushed southwest, attempting to cross at Blackburn�s Ford. He was repulsed. This action was a reconnaissance-in-force prior to the main event at Manassas/Bull Run. Because of this action, Union commander McDowell decided on the flanking maneuver he employed at First Manassas.