First Battle of Bull Run
1861 CE · Virginia, USA
The First Battle of Bull Run was fought in 1861 CE in Virginia, USA between Confederate States vs the United States (Union); Confederate victory in the first major battle of the war; the Union army fled back to Washington.
First Battle of Bull Run: quick facts
- Date
- 1861 CE
- Location
- Virginia, USA
- Belligerents
- Confederate States vs the United States (Union)
- Commanders
- P. G. T. Beauregard and Joseph E. Johnston vs Irvin McDowell
- Result
- Confederate victory in the first major battle of the war; the Union army fled back to Washington.
- Era
- 🦅 American Wars
- Quiz difficulty
- medium
What happened at the First Battle of Bull Run?
The first major battle of the Civil War shattered illusions of a quick conflict. Washington civilians rode out with picnic baskets to watch what they expected to be an easy Union victory. Instead, Confederate reinforcements arriving by rail turned the tide, and Thomas Jackson earned the nickname 'Stonewall' for his brigade's steadfast defense. The Union army broke and fled in a chaotic retreat back to Washington, proving the war would be long and costly.
Did you know?
Washington civilians brought picnic baskets and opera glasses to watch the First Battle of Bull Run, expecting entertainment. They fled in panic alongside the retreating army when the battle turned.
Sources and further reading
- First Battle of Bull Run on Wikipedia for the full account, historiography and primary sources.
- How BattleGuess compiles and checks battle facts: see the About page.
Entry last reviewed 26 September 2026.