| Battle Name: |
Manassas II |
| Other Names: |
Manassas, Second Bull Run, Manassas Plains, Groveton, Gainesville, Brawner's Farm |
| State: |
Virginia |
| Location: |
Prince William County |
| Campaign: |
Northern Virginia Campaign (June-September 1862) |
| Dates: |
August 28-30, 1862 |
| Principal Commanders: |
Maj. Gen. John Pope [US]; Gen. Robert E. Lee and Maj. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson [CS] |
| Forces Engaged: |
Armies |
| Estimated Casualties: |
22,180 total (US 13,830; CS 8,350) |
| Description: |
In order to draw Pope’s army into battle, Jackson ordered an attack on a Federal column that was passing across his front
on the Warrenton Turnpike on August 28. The fighting at Brawner Farm lasted several hours and resulted in a stalemate. Pope
became convinced that he had trapped Jackson and concentrated the bulk of his army against him. On August 29, Pope launched a
series of assaults against Jackson’s position along an unfinished railroad grade. The attacks were repulsed with heavy casualties on
both sides. At noon, Longstreet arrived on the field from Thoroughfare Gap and took position on Jackson’s right flank. On August 30,
Pope renewed his attacks, seemingly unaware that Longstreet was on the field. When massed Confederate artillery devastated a
Union assault by Fitz John Porter’s command, Longstreet’s wing of 28,000 men counterattacked in the largest, simultaneous mass
assault of the war. The Union left flank was crushed and the army driven back to Bull Run. Only an effective Union rearguard action
prevented a replay of the First Manassas disaster. Pope’s retreat to Centreville was precipitous, nonetheless. The next day, Lee
ordered his army in pursuit. This was the decisive battle of the Northern Virginia Campaign. |
| Results: |
Confederate victory |
