Where did the first Battle of Bull Run take place?

The first big land battle of the American Civil War took place near Manassas in Prince William County in Virginia on July 21, 1861. This episode is called the First Battle of Bull Run and is also known as First Manassas, the latter being the name the Confederates used.

The battle came about as a result of a Union drive to try and take Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederate states, as it was felt that taking the city would mean an early end to the uprising.

Brigadier General Irvin McDowell was in command of the Union army, while Confederate forces were led by Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard. Soldiers on both sides were green recruits, and the lack of experience and discipline resulted in the Union army’s failure in its attempt to outflank the Confederates at Bull Run.