First Manassas

When Abraham Lincoln declared war on the South in 1861, it was promised that the War would be over within weeks and you could clean up all the blood with a handkerchief.

On July 21st, the Union army crossed the Potomac River into Virginia, planning to capture the Confederate capital of Richmond and end the war.  Yankee senators took their wives in carriages for picnics to watch the easy win.

But the Yankee victory did not happen.  "Stonewall" Jackson gained his nickname for the South when his cadets from VMI held their ground.  Then they led a Confederate bayonet charge that sent the Union troops running for their lives all the way back to Washington.

The first major battle of the War, The Battle of Manassas, was a major victory for the South; but it became obvious that Mr. Lincoln's war would cost thousands of American lives.

This moment in history was brought to you by the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Visit us online at www.georgiascv.org or call us toll free at 1-866-SCV-INGA (1-866-728-4642).