Battle of Fort Sumter (April 12,1961) and the Battle of Bull Run/Manassas (July 21,1861)

Battle of Forth Sumter
Source: www.loc.gov

The Battle of Fort Sumter was the first military engagement between the Union and Confederacy. The fort itself is located in the Charleston Harbor, so whoever controlled the fort controlled the flow of imports to South Carolina. Naturally, when South Carolina seceded, they tried to capture the Union forts in their territory. Even though the Rebels captured the fort, this battle united Northerners, and it wa

s the beginning of the Civil War.

Fort Sumpter
Source: news.nationalgeographic.com

Map of the Battle of Fort Sumter
Source: www.civilwar.org

Battle of Bull Run
Found at: www.civalwarcostumes.com

The Battle of Bull Run (Manassas was one of the first major engagements in the Civil War. This battle was significant, because it changed the Northern mindset from a glorified, romanticized, overconfident view on war to a brutal, challenging conquest. The Norths sent 30,000 troops with the objective of cutting off Southern railroad lines to Richmond, the Confederate capital.  The Rebels cut off the Union with 22,000 troops at Bull Run Creek (hence the name). Northerners even came to have picnics while watching the battle from afar, and were shocked to see the Union losing to what they thought was an easy opponent. In the end, the Union suffered about 3,000 casualties (460 killed) and retreated. The confederates managed to stand their ground until their reinforcements arrived. The Rebels suffered 2,000 casualties (387 dead). The union loss was largely attributed to the lack of experienced, qualified officers. On the other hand, the Confederates had educated officers and a stubborn, fearless commanding general, Stonewall Jackson.

Painting of Stonewall Jackson at Bull Run
by David Bendann