15th Massachusetts Infantry

The 15th Massachusetts Infantry led the Federal advance at Ball's Bluff. Rebuffed in the morning's fight, the regiment fell back to the small field that existed here in 1861. Private Rowland E. Bowen of the 15th Massachusetts recalled that it was evident they had formed their last line of battle and that losing the position meant utter ruin. As dirt and grass flew from the top of the ridge and bullets flew like hailstones, Colonel Devens came behind the men and urged them to form a line and stand still if they wished to preserve their lives. Bowen said the general impression among the men was that their enemies outnumbered them five to one, which disheartened them.

Leesburg, Virginia · United States