BATTLE // July 18, 1861
Battle of Blackburn's Ford
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Source · Wikipedia
Significance
Blackburn's Ford was a preliminary action of the Manassas campaign, fought three days before the First Battle of Bull Run. McDowell sent elements of Tyler's division to probe Confederate defenses along Bull Run Creek in order to locate Beauregard's left flank. The failed crossing attempt, driven back by Confederate fire, denied McDowell the avenue of attack he had sought and compelled him to look elsewhere along the Confederate line. That repulse directly shaped his operational decision-making for the larger engagement that followed on July 21, redirecting Union effort toward the flank action that would define First Bull Run.
Tactics
McDowell directed Tyler's division to conduct a probing reconnaissance along Bull Run Creek at Blackburn's Ford, seeking to identify the Confederate left flank. Union troops attempted to force a crossing at that ford but were broken up by Confederate defensive fire before they could establish a position across the creek.
Forces & casualties
Troop strength
- United States3,000medium
- CSA (Confederacy)5,100medium
CSA (Confederacy) fielded a 1.7 : 1 numerical advantage
Commanders (6)
CSA (Confederacy)
James Longstreetlieutenant general
United States
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Related
6 sibling battles · 2 factions