Information Panel: The Tide Crests

Information Panel: The Tide Crests

Photo: NPS / Claire Hassler

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Second Battle of Manassas, Day Three, August 30, 1862, 6:30 p.m.

Robert Milroy's Union brigade occupied the washed-out bed of Sudley Road before you. Behind them, artillery occupied the crest of Henry Hill, in position to fire safely over the infantry. "I saw this would be a splendid covert for my men," the general later remembered. "They could be entirely protected while loading and only expose their heads while firing over the bank." Soon the rattle of musketry and the thunder of cannon fire reverberated from one end of the Union line to the other.

Repeatedly the Georgians charged only to be repulsed, falling back to Chinn Branch behind you to regroup. But the Rebels edged closer with each successive assault, eventually causing Milroy's men to abandon the roadbed and scramble up the slopes of Henry Hill. Milroy galloped frantically to the summit in search of reinforcements, as the Union position appeared in dire jeopardy. Led by the 15th Georgia Infantry, the Confederates gained a foothold in the road and pierced the Union battle line. Although southern victory seemed assured, the deconstruction of the Union army remained in doubt.