Blackburn's Ford, Civil War battlefield site near Centreville, Virginia
Blackburn's Ford is a Civil War battlefield located where the Bull Run Creek could be crossed, featuring preserved earthworks and defensive lines from 1861. The site displays how soldiers were positioned and how fortifications were built on both sides to protect their strategic positions.
This location saw one of the first major engagements of the war on July 18, 1861, when Union troops under General Daniel Tyler met Confederate soldiers commanded by James Longstreet. This clash suggested that the war would not be the brief conflict many had expected.
This ford served as a meeting point where Northern and Southern troops clashed directly, making it a pivotal location in the early stages of the conflict. The fighting here demonstrated to both sides that the war would be longer and more costly than many had anticipated.
The grounds are accessible through marked trails and informational signs that describe troop movements and strategies. Visitors should expect uneven terrain and open ground, so appropriate footwear is important for comfortable exploration.
Two soldiers from the 12th New York regiment earned military honors for their exceptional courage during the intense fighting at this crossing. Their actions represent some of the earliest recognitions of valor during the war and are often overlooked by visitors.
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