Last updated: January 19, 2024
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Information Panel: Opening Shots
Photo: NPS / Claire Hassler
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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
First Battle of Manassas, July 21, 1861, 6 a.m.
From this ridge, Colonel Nathan G. Evans stood watch over the Stone Bridge, prepared to contest Union efforts to cross Bull Run. His brigade of 1,100 Confederates anchored the left flank of a seven mile defensive line guarding Manassas Junction. At first light on July 21, Federals east of the bridge sent artillery shells screaming overhead. Skirmishers from both sides opened a sporadic musket fire.
After two hours Evans became suspicious; no Federal attack had developed. Soon he received a timely message via signal flag: "Look out for your left! You are turned!" Leaving a detachment here to guard the bridge, Evans shifted the balance of his brigade toward Matthews Hill, one mile to the west. There he hoped to intercept the Union advance and buy time for Confederate reinforcements to reach the field.
Union commander Irvin McDowell's plan was to out-flank the Confederate left with a swift, coordinated attack via Sudley Ford, while maintaining a diversion at Stone Bridge.
The Confederate army established three signal stations to communicate over its defensive line. Soldiers sent coded messages by signal flag, a system known as "wig-wagging." Contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence that Confederates erected signal towers at these locations.