Information Panel: Retreat From Chinn Ridge

Information Panel: Retreat From Chinn Ridge

Photo: NPS / Claire Hassler

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First Battle of Manassas, July 21, 1861, 4:30 p.m.

Colonel Oliver O. Howard's brigade brought up the rear of the Federal flanking column. After crossing Bull Run, the New Englanders hastened toward the sounds of battle. In the mid-afternoon heat, dozens of men straggled on the march or collapsed by the roadside. By the time they reached the front, Union hopes for victory were fading. 

Intending to outflank the enemy, Howard's regiments ascended to the top of this rise. Suddenly the air exploded with shell fragments. Confederate artillery opened a flanking fire from the Chinn house yard. Masses of Rebel infantry charged out of the woods below. Howard's men managed a few ragged volleys before the parade-style battle lines began to break. The retreat gathered momentum and soon the Union army was in full flight.