Battles of Manassas • Tour the Battlefield • Facts • The Armies
The Sudley Springs Ford wayside marker
From the wayside marker:
Sudley Spring Ford
Soon after crossing Bull Run, the Union flanking column splashed across Catharpin Run here at Sudley Springs Ford. More than 13,000 soldiers passed this spot over a six-hour period.
The lengthy march over dusty roads had taken its toll. Exhausted men fell out of ranks to replenish canteens with muddy water. Soldiers threw away unnecessary equipment to lighten loads. Muffled sounds of combat could now be heard in the distance. From this point forward, the sense of anticipation and excitement grew – battle was close at hand.
From the caption to the background photo:
Sudley Springs Ford in March 1862. Photo by George N. Barnard.
From the insert at bottom left:
First Battle of Manassas
July 21, 1861 9:30 a.m.
