Manassas: A Battlefield Guide

Jackson’s Line Excursion

JACKSON’S LINE EXCURSION Directions From the Jackson monument, follow the mowed path for about 125 yards to the Confederate gun line, then turn left and proceed about 100 yards along the gun line to a point between the nps markers “Historic Farm Road Trace” and “Various sections of Virginia Artillery.” Turn left here and face toward the Henry House and Bull Run Monument. 29 29 234 234 D C A B Stone House Henry House Jackson Monument Robinson House NPS Visitor Center Henry Hill C h i n n R i d g e Buck Hill C h i n n B r a n c h Young’s Branch Young’s Branch LEE HIGHWAY S U D L E Y R O A D Tour stop Historic site A 0 0.5 miles Overview Jackson’s Line Excursion STOP A Jackson’s Arrival Orientation As the sign indicates, you are standing where in 1861 a farm road connecting Portici (site of Confederate headquarters for much of the battle) and the Sudley Road crossed Henry Hill. It was this road that Jackson used to reach the southeastern edge of the Henry Hill plateau, where you are now standing. What Happened Shortly before noon the five regiments of Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson’s brigade arrived on Henry Hill. Jackson’s command had reached Manassas Junction from the Shenandoah Valley on July 19 and began the morning of July 21 by taking up positions from which it could reinforce the Confederate units around Blackburn’s Ford. Shortly thereafter, Jackson received orders to move upstream toward the Stone Bridge, but upon learning of the fighting on Matthews Hill reoriented his march to follow a small farm road through the woods that led to Henry Hill. Jackson arrived as the forces that had fought at Matthews Hill were falling back and, when informed by Brig. Gen. Barnard Bee what had happened, replied, “Sir, we will give them the bayonet.” Jackson then deployed his five regiments under the shelter of the woods at the edge of the plateau. He posted the 4th and 29 29 234 234 C A B Stone House Henry House Jackson Monument Robinson House Van Pelt House NPS Visitor Center Henry Hill Van Pelt Hill Buck Hill C h i n n B r a n c h Young’s Branch LEE HIGHWAY S U D L E Y R O A D 3 3 r d V A 2 n d V A 4 th V A 5th VA 2nd ME 3rd CT HAM PTON J A C K S O N 2 7 th V A BEE BARTOW EVANS KEYES 0 0.5 miles Stops A, B, C A: B: C: Jackson’s arrival Keyes’s advance The 33rd Virginia Tour stop Historic site South unit North unit A 151 Jackson’s Line Excursion 27th Virginia in direct support of the artillery, with the 5th Virginia extending the Confederate right to near the Robinson House. To the left of the 4th and 27th Virginia, he deployed the 2nd Virginia and, at the far end of his line, the 33rd Virginia. Vignette Capt. John Imboden later wrote of events after he and his battery had been forced from their position overlooking the Stone House intersection, “We crossed the summit at the edge of the pines, midway behind the Henry and Robinson houses, and there met ‘Stonewall’ Jackson at the head of his brigade, marching by the flank at a double-quick. . . . When I met Jackson I felt very angry at what I then regarded as bad treatment from General Bee, in leaving us so long exposed to capture, and I expressed myself with some profanity, which I could see was displeasing to Jackson. He remarked, ‘I’ll support your battery. Unlimber right here.’ We did so, when a perfect lull in the conflict ensued for 20 or 30 minutes—at least in that part of the field. . . . When my retiring battery met Jackson, and he assumed command of us, I reported that I had remaining only three rounds of ammunition for a single gun, and suggested that the caissons be sent to the rear for a supply. He said, ‘No, not now-wait till other guns get here, and then you can withdraw your battery, as it has been so torn to pieces, and let your men rest.’ “During the lull in front, my men lay...