150th Anniversary of the Battle of Manassas

Ada and I got up at 5:30 to begin our short trip to Manassas, Virginia to attend the 150th anniversary reenactment of the First Battle of Manassas. The Battles of Manassas are often known as First and Second Bull Run. The reason for this is because most southern soldiers named battles after the nearest city, while northern soldiers tended to name battles after the nearest river or stream.  Although not the first battle of the Civil War, nor the biggest of the war, it was a game changer. Both sides were sure a quick victory could be achieved by an overwhelming show of force. They were wrong. The soldiers as well as their commanding officers were inexperienced, which led to mistakes on the battlefield.

During this battle the standard carried into battle by the Confederacy was still the "Stars and Bars" which had a resemblance to the Union's "Stars and Stripes". The uniforms worn by the different Confederate regiments, divisions, and brigades were very inconsistent. These caused confusion on the battlefield and the Confederacy soon thereafter switched to the more recognizable Confederate Battle flag.

 Stars and Bars

Confederate Battle Flag

The Aftermath was felt throughout the North and South. The casualties for the Union were just under 3,000, and the Confederates suffered just under 2,000. Any illusion of a quick war were lost as a result of this battle. P.G.T. Beauregard was credited as the hero of the battle and was promoted to full general. The Union was soon looking for a new commanding general and George McClellan would get the job.

The reenactment was amazing! Over 10,000 reenactors took part in the battle, and there were about 50 artillery pieces on the field. Spectators numbered in the thousands as well. At 9:30 in the morning the battle began. It was already approaching 100 degrees, and reenactors were given ice to put under their hats to stay cool. I have worn a wool uniform like they were wearing and I know that it must have been miserable. The sounds of cannons and rifles firing was unlike anything I've ever heard. I've fired my grandfather's cannon, but I'd never heard 20 cannons firing down the line in quick succession or all fired at the same time. 

Here's a little video I took. The sound doesn't do these cannons justice. It was much louder!

I look forward to going to other reenactments such as the 150th anniversary of Gettysburg in 2013.