On this day in the Civil War, Union troops commanded by General Irwin McDowell clash with Confederate forces commanded by Generals P.G.T. Beauregard and Joseph E. Johnston at the Battle of First Bull Run (known as First Manassas in the south). After initial success, the Federal troops are routed by the Confederates and flee back to Washington City.
During this battle Confederate General Thomas J. Jackson earns the nickname “Stonewall”. In attempting to encourage his retreating troops, Southern General Bernard Bee saw Jackson standing calmly and yelled, “There stands Jackson like a stone wall! Rally behind the Virginians.”
This conflict becomes the first major land battle of the Civil War.
The Civil War Book 