Battles of Manassas • Tour the Battlefield • Monuments • The Armies
The “Farm Ford” wayside marker is along the Stone Bridge Loop Trail north of the Stone Bridge across Bull Run.
Text from the wayside marker:
Farm Ford
Colonel William T. Sherman spent the morning searching for a location suitable for his brigade to cross Bull Run. He ruled out the Stone Bridge – its narrow span stood too exposed, and rumors circulated that the bridge was mined. Turning his attention upstream, Sherman received unexpected assistance from a reckless Confederate. A Southern officer, possibly Major Roberdeau Wheat rode down from this bluff and stood in the creek taunting Union soldiers. In the process, he revealed a shallow crossing place.
When ordered across Bull Run to join the fighting in progress on Matthews Hill, Sherman chose to use the shallow “farm ford” he had discovered earlier. His troops proceeded single file and met no opposition since the Confederates had departed to intercept the union flanking column. There was no established road to or from the ford, and the steep terrain prevented Sherman’s artillery from joining the movement.
Caption to the photo on the left:
Col. William T. Sherman
Inset text on the bottom left:
First Battle of Manasas
July 21, 1861
11 a.m.
Location of the “Farm Ford” wayside marker
The marker is along the Stone Bridge Loop Trail on the west side of Bull Run. It can be reached from the Stone Bridge Tour Stop and is about a half mile from the parking area.