First Battle of Bull Run

First major battle of the American Civil War, fought 21 July 1861 in Prince William County, Virginia - called First Manassas by the Confederates. Union Brigadier General Irvin McDowell led unseasoned troops against P. G. T. Beauregard's forces; Confederate reinforcements under Joseph E. Johnston arrived by rail, and Thomas J. Jackson earned the nickname 'Stonewall' by holding his ground. The Confederate victory ended in a disorganized Union rout toward Washington, convincing both sides the war would be far longer and bloodier than anticipated.