In this artistic rendering from the First Battle of Manassas, we see a moment in the first major land conflict between the Confederacy and the Union. The painting was created by Kurz & Allison, a firm, like Currier & Ives, that was prolific in publishing the events of the Civil War and all things Americana.

The Confederacy was advancing toward Washington D.C. and public pressure to do something compelled General-in-Chief Winfield Scott to dispatch the recently promoted Brig. Gen. Irvin McDowell into his first battle. Gen. Pierre G.T. Beauregard was the commander of the forces of the Confederacy. These were the largest armies ever assembled in America and they were made up on both sides of volunteer citizens with little or no training for the troops or the officers.

Major problems and deficiencies were typical of the first year of the war and displayed in a grand fashion during this battle. Fundamental confusion was created by the complete lack of proper training and discipline and was further complicated because the uniforms at that time looked very much alike as well as their flags. Both sides committed approximately 35,000 troops to the engagement but both were able to engage only about 18,000 for the actual fighting.

The Confederate side referred to their victory as "The First Battle of Manassas" and to this day it remains a source of conflict. While the Confederate forces routed the Union army and were declared the victor, it created a false sense of military superiority for the Confederacy because of the apparently easy victory. The loss heavily damaged the morale of the Union military and convinced Abraham Lincoln that the Union was in for a long and difficult fight.

With the exception of Stonewall Jackson (whose men gave him his moniker in this battle because of his resolute stand against Union attacks) and General Joseph E. Johnston, the remainder of the Confederate officers, like the Union, lacked the training to fully understand the tactical requirements of armies this large. Late in the afternoon of July 21st, 1861, Confederate reinforcements arrived and extended their offensive and then broke the Union right flank. With their poor discipline, the Federal retreat rapidly deteriorated into a rout. Although victorious, Confederate forces were too disorganized to pursue.

Medium : 1 print : lithograph, color

Created/Published : 1889

Creator : Kurz & Allison, Art Publishers, Chicago, U.S.A.

Housed in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress

Availability: Usually ships in 1 week

Product #: pga01843