Henry House Hill facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Henry House Hill, Manassas National Battlefield
U.S. Historic district Contributing property
Two Union Howitzers placed in the flanking position which they held during the Battle of First Bull Run.
Location	Bull Run, Virginia
Part of	Manassas National Battlefield Park (ID66000039)

Henry House Hill is a famous spot in Virginia. It's near a stream called Bull Run. This hill is very important in American history. It was the site of two major battles during the American Civil War. These battles were the First and Second Bull Run. They are also known as the First and Second Manassas.

Henry House Hill: A Key Civil War Spot

What is Henry House Hill?

The hill gets its name from the Henry family. Their house sat right on top of it. The hill starts near Centreville, Virginia, and goes towards U.S. Route 29. It rises slowly for about 730 meters. During the battles, the north side of the hill was open grass. The south side was covered with trees.

The Henry family lived on the hill. Dr. Isaac Henry owned the house. On July 21, 1861, his widow, Judith Carter Henry, lived there with her two sons. Mrs. Henry was 85 years old and very ill. Sadly, she was badly hurt when a cannonball hit her house. She died later that day.

The First Battle of Bull Run

The house after the First Battle of Bull Run.

Henry House Hill was a key location in the First Battle of Bull Run. This battle happened on July 21, 1861. It was one of the first big battles of the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln, the President, wanted to end the war quickly. He ordered Brig. Gen. Irvin McDowell to attack the Confederate forces. These forces were led by Brig. Gen. P. G. T. Beauregard.

Confederate soldiers, led by Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, took positions on Henry House Hill. The Union soldiers tried to push them off. One Union group, the 14th Brooklyn, fought very bravely. They wore bright red pants. General Jackson called them "Red Legged Devils" because of their striking uniform.

"Stonewall" Jackson's Stand

The fighting on the hill was very fierce. Union soldiers attacked, but the Confederates held their ground. Brig. Gen. Barnard Bee saw Jackson's soldiers holding firm. He shouted to his own men, "There is Jackson standing like a stone wall. Let us determine to die here, and we will conquer. Follow me."

This famous quote gave Thomas Jackson his nickname, "Stonewall." It meant he was strong and unmoving in battle. After heavy fighting, the Union forces had to retreat. During their retreat, a wagon tipped over on Cub Run Bridge. This blocked the road. Many Union soldiers, who were volunteers, dropped their rifles and ran.

Preserving History

Today, Henry House Hill is part of the Manassas National Battlefield Park. This park helps protect the historic land. It allows people to visit and learn about these important Civil War battles.