Bog Wallow Ambush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bog Wallow Ambush |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the American Civil War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States (Union) |
 CSA (Confederacy) |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| George W. Taylor | J. Fred. Waring | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 55 | 24 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 4 | 5 | ||||||
The Bog Wallow Ambush was a small fight during the American Civil War. It happened on December 4, 1861, in Fairfax County, Virginia. Confederate soldiers led by Captain J. Fred. Waring fought against Union soldiers led by Colonel George W. Taylor. The Union side set up a surprise attack on Braddock Road. The Union forces won this small battle.
Contents
Why Did This Ambush Happen?
After a bigger battle called Battle of Ball's Bluff in October 1861, large military actions stopped. Both armies settled down for the winter. However, small groups of soldiers still went out. They wanted to check on the enemy's positions. They also looked for supplies like food for their horses.
A month before this ambush, some of these soldiers had a shootout. This happened at a place called Oak Hill mansion. The Union soldiers also wanted to get back at the Confederates. The Confederates had been attacking Union pickets, which are small groups of soldiers on guard duty.
Who Fought in the Ambush?
This section tells you about the two groups of soldiers who fought.
The Confederate Side
- Commander: Captain J. Fred. Waring
- Unit: Georgia Hussars (later known as Jeff Davis Cavalry Legion, Company 'F')
The Union Side
- Commander: Colonel George W. Taylor
- Unit: 3rd New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, part of the First New Jersey Brigade
How Did the Ambush Unfold?
On December 4, 1861, soldiers from the 3rd New Jersey Infantry set a trap. They stretched two telegraph wires across Braddock Road. This was done at the edge of a very muddy area, almost like a swamp. Their plan was to trip the horses of the Georgia Hussars in the middle of the night.
When the Confederate riders hit the wires, a "sheet of fire" burst out. This came from the Union soldiers hiding in the trees along the swamp. The Confederates quickly fired back. Both sides had some soldiers injured, but the Confederates managed to get away.
What Was the Outcome?
The Bog Wallow Ambush was a very small fight. It did not change the overall plan of the war. Only a few soldiers were hurt on each side. However, this kind of small fight happened often. Many similar actions took place in northern Virginia during the early part of the American Civil War.
Remembering the Ambush
A special historical marker was put up on May 5, 2013. It is at the corner of Braddock Road and Dunleigh Drive in Burke. This marker helps people remember the “Bog Wallow Ambush.” The spot is close to Annandale, between Rolling Road and Guinea Road.
