Last updated: October 10, 2024
Place
Auto Tour Stop #4: Matthews Hill
NPS Photo / Trusso
Quick Facts
Location:
Manassas, Virginia
Designation:
National Battlefield Park
Amenities
4 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Trailhead
The head of General Irvin McDowell's flanking column reached Matthews Hill shortly after 10 a.m. Progress had been slow. The rookie soldiers frequently broke ranks to rest. Some stopped to pick blackberries. More than 13,000 Union troops lagged behind schedule and strung out for nearly six miles. As the head of the column reached Matthews Hill, the rear of the column was still on the Warrenton Turnpike east of the Stone Bridge.
Upon emerging out of the woods, the Union vanguard collided with Confederate skirmishers atop Matthews Hill ahead. Both sides exchanged brief volleys of musket fire. Soldiers of the 2nd Rhode Island Infantry deployed and started across the field toward the crest of the hill. For General McDowell, his chance at surprise was gone. Battle had just begun.
Colonel Ambrose Burnside's brigade, leading the Union flanking column, soon collided with Confederates. Six James Rifles of the 2nd Rhode Island Battery established an advantageous position on the crest while Union infantry pressed forward into a cornfield beyond. With each few minutes that passed, more Federals reached the front.
Yet Union forces encountered stiff resistance. Confederate troops made headlong charges in a bold show of force that disguised their true weakness in numbers. It took over ninety minutes to dislodge the stubborn Confederates. Despite the unexpected delays, the Union commander emerged confident of success. General McDowell triumphantly announced "Victory! Victory! The day is ours!" The proclamation proved premature.
Inscription:
Upon emerging out of the woods, the Union vanguard collided with Confederate skirmishers atop Matthews Hill ahead. Both sides exchanged brief volleys of musket fire. Soldiers of the 2nd Rhode Island Infantry deployed and started across the field toward the crest of the hill. For General McDowell, his chance at surprise was gone. Battle had just begun.
Colonel Ambrose Burnside's brigade, leading the Union flanking column, soon collided with Confederates. Six James Rifles of the 2nd Rhode Island Battery established an advantageous position on the crest while Union infantry pressed forward into a cornfield beyond. With each few minutes that passed, more Federals reached the front.
Yet Union forces encountered stiff resistance. Confederate troops made headlong charges in a bold show of force that disguised their true weakness in numbers. It took over ninety minutes to dislodge the stubborn Confederates. Despite the unexpected delays, the Union commander emerged confident of success. General McDowell triumphantly announced "Victory! Victory! The day is ours!" The proclamation proved premature.
While you're here...
Hike the Matthews Hill Loop Trail
This one-mile long loop trail traverses the fields where the opening phase of First Manassas took place. From the summit, scenic vistas looking south and west give an excellent view of major portions of the battlefield.Inscription:
False Hopes for Success
At the first Battle of Manassas, Union forces here on Matthews Hill seemed on the verge of victory when Confederate lines collapsed late in the morning of July 21, 1861. Thirteen months later at the Second Battle of Manassas, overconfident Union commander Maj. Gen. John Pope used the fields on nearby Dogan Ridge as a staging ground for attacks on Confederates along the Unfinished Railroad.
Follow the mowed path to the crest on your right to the site of the morning action at First Manassas. An interpretive loop trail follows the opposing battle positions.
Union artillery held the dominant ground near the crest of Matthews Hill. In the background rises Henry Hill, scene of the decisive afternoon fighting at First Manassas.
Welcome to Manassas National Battlefield Park. In two fierce battles fought thirteen months apart, Union and Confederate armies clashed here over the same ground.
Many of the key features of the battlefields survive today, including the Stone House, the Unfinished Railroad, and the historic road network.
Begin your tour at the Henry Hill Visitor Center, which provides orientation to the battlefields and their many points of interest.