Battle of Bull Run

HistoryCentral · Primary Source & History

Federal troops, led by General McDowell advanced towards Manassas Junction, where Confederate troops were dug in, blocking the road to Richmond. Both Confederate and Union troops were not ready for battle. Union troops advanced on Confederate troops, almost breaking through, but at the last moment, Confederate reinforcements arrived at the battle and carried the day. Union troops were routed. There was no organized retreat, rather a mass of soldiers who fled back to Washington.