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Battles of Manassas • Tour the Battlefield •  Facts • The Armies

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The “Sudley Springs Ford” wayside marker is along the Sudley Loop Trail in the northernmost part of the park. It overlooks Catharpin Run, a tributary of Bull Run.

Text 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.

Caption to the background photo:

Sudley Springs Ford in March 1862. Photo by George N. Barnard.

Insert at bottom left:

First Battle of Manassas
July 21, 1861  9:30 a.m.

Location of the marker

The “Sudley Springs Ford” wayside marker is along the Sudley Loop Trail about 400 yards north of the parking area for Stop Five. (38°50’33.7″N 77°32’16.1″W)