War Stories - First Bull Run Battle Part 2: McDowell's Flanking Maneuver

Instead of crossing the Bull Run River head-on, McDowell planned an operation to go around the left flank of the Southern army. While a portion of the Northern army attacked near Stone Bridge, the main force was to make a large northward detour, cross at Sudley Ford, and attack the Southern army's flank. In the early morning of July 21, 1861, the Northern flanking units began their movement, and by morning, they clashed fiercely with the Southern army at Mathew's Hill. Initially, the Northern army pushed back the Southern forces with superior numbers and firepower. The Southern front lines retreated multiple times, and the Northern commanders believed victory was within reach. However, the Southern commanders bought time while waiting for reinforcements. Johnston's troops, moving from the Shenandoah Valley, also began arriving at Manassas via railroad. As the Northern attack took longer than expected, the Southern army secured time to concentrate its scattered forces on the battlefield.