Opening Shots

From this ridge, Colonel Nathan G. Evans watched over the Stone Bridge, ready to oppose Union efforts to cross Bull Run. His brigade of 1,100 Confederates held the left flank of a seven mile defensive line guarding Manassas Junction. At first light on July 21, Federals east of the bridge sent artillery shells overhead, and skirmishers from both sides began sporadic musket fire. After two hours, with no Federal attack developing, Evans grew suspicious and soon received a signal flag warning: "Look out for your left! You are turned!" Leaving a detachment to guard the bridge, he shifted most of his brigade toward Matthews Hill, one mile to the west, hoping to intercept the Union advance and buy time for Confederate reinforcements to reach the field.

Sudley, Virginia · United States