The Battle of Bull Run
Primary Source Investigation
Adapted from a lesson found on:
http://www.nps.gov/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessnuse/howtouse.
htm#facts
Bull Run: In Summary
 Lincoln and General Winfield Scott came up with the
“Anaconda Plan”
 1. Surround South by land and sea to cut off trade. 2. Divide the
South in two (MS River) 3. Capture Richmond, Virginia
 Rose Greenhow – SPY – she lived in the North and sent messages
to the South about their planned attack on Richmond.
 When Northern troops marched toward Richmond, they met
Southern troops who were waiting for them.
 “Stonewall” Jackson – helped win the battle
 Bull Run – smashing victory for the South, shocking blow for the
North.
 BOTH SIDES BEGAN TO PREPARE FOR A LONG WAR.
Find Washington D.C. and Richmond –
what do you notice about the proximity?
What are some possible advantages
of having the Union Capital in
Washington D.C.?
A regiment of Union Troops just before the
Battle of Bull Run. How would you describe
the mood of this photo?
Take a moment to read
The Battle of Bull Run: The Letters of J.W. Reid
 In what way would you compare the mood of the letter to the
mood of the soldiers in the photograph we just looked at?
 Who do you think J.W. Reid is writing to? What makes you think
this?
 How would you have responded if you had received this letter?
The Creek at Bull Run
The battle was fought near the Henry Home in
Manassas. This is a drawing depicting the house
shortly after the first battle of Manassas/Bull Run.
Take a moment to read
Bull Run: Some Events Connected with the Life of
Judith Carter Henry
 Remember to read the questions first, then the
passage.
 Annotate as you read, underlining facts that interest
you and/or answer questions.
This is a photograph of the same
house in March of 1862.
Many times, the
aftermath of
battles were
worse for
civilians than
the actual
battles. Why
would that be
so? What do
you think
happened to
this house?
Soldiers' Graves on Muddy Battlefield of Bull Run: Hastily
buried soldiers were marked with headboards in the mud after
the First Battle of Bull Run. Many soldiers were never
identified due to the frequent field burials
Moment of reflection:
 The Smithsonian Institute website
refers to the Battle of Bull Run as
the “End of Illusions”. Why do you
think it would be called that? What
lessons did Americans (soldiers and
civilians) learn from this battle?