1 of 1

Write now Article Tools

The First Battle of Bull Run (or First Manassas as the Confederates called it) had fourteen key Union commanders involved with the first conflict of the Civil War on July 21, 1861 and, ultimately the first loss for the Union.

1. Major General Ambrose Burnside (Brigade)- A Rhode Islander and West Pointer who was also an entrepreneur and inventor of a breech-loading carbine that was one of the most advanced weapons of its time. As a part of the Army of the Potomac, he had moderate success as an independent commander at Bull Run as well as other campaigns during the Civil War.

2. Major General George A. Custer- At the age of twenty-two, Custer was known as the "Boy General", fighting early and bravely at Bull Run.

3. Brigadier General Samuel P. Heintzelman (Division)-A West Point graduate from Pennsylvania who rapidly rose through the ranks based mostly on his bravery, experience and dedication to the military. However, he lacked administration, imagination and initiation skills necessary for a successful command. He fought bravely at Bull Run and was wounded while trying to rally his broken troops during the Union rout.

4. Colonel Oliver O. Howard (Brigade)-Though he did not attend West Point, he was an assistant professor of mathematics there before resigning to take a brigade command at Bull Run.

5. Major Henry Jackson Hunt (Artillery)-Renown for his high expertise in the science of gunnery, which gained him even the admiration of the Confederacy. He played a major role covering the Union's retreat, from an exposed position, with a four gun battery at Bull Run.

6. Colonel David Hunter (Division)-Born in Washington DC, this West Point graduate fought fiercely at Bull Run, driving back a Confederate column. He was wounded in the neck during this rout which forced him to resign from the field. After his recovery, he was promoted to Major General.

7. Major General George Brinton McClellan- A brilliant strategist and organizer whose talents were wasted at this campaign. That would soon be corrected when he replaced McDowell after this first major defeat for the Union.

8. Colonel Alexander McCook (Brigade)-Born in Columbiana County, Ohio, he lead the First Ohioan Infantry at Bull Run. McCook's bravery and organizational skills earned him the promotion of Brigadier General of volunteers.

9. Brigadier General Irvin McDowell- Another Ohioan and West Point grad, achieved his rank before the commencement of Bull Run. His inexperience in battle led to his defeat by the Confederates,

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Key Union commanders in the First Battle of Bull Run?
We want to hear your view. Write now!