The First Battle of Bull Run ~ Civil War

Sanibel Public Library invites you to Summer School for Adults! On Monday, July 24 at 10 a.m. come in for Duane Shaffer's "The First Battle of Bull Run: The Armies Clash for the First Time" program:

Fought on July 21, 1861, the First Battle of Bull Run or Manassas, VA was the first major battle of the American Civil War. The Union commander Brigadier General Irvin McDowell gave in to pressure from the government to begin campaigning before his men’s 90-day enlistments expired. He did not feel that the army was adequately trained. The battle would become literally a tragedy of errors. The soldiers came dressed in a variety of uniforms with all types of weapons and were totally undisciplined. Tourists and sightseers would only add to the confusion. A Confederate victory would end northern hopes for a quick end to the war.

SPL's Duane E. Shaffer discusses the strategy and tactics of this important battle.