Counterattack
Dead cannoneers lay in rows between their cannon, dead horses along the back slope; the Union guns were immobilized yet still a magnet for both armies. Up this slope marched the 14th Brooklyn, resplendent in Zouave uniforms. They managed to recapture Griffin’s two guns—for a few moments.
From here to Ricketts’ cannon (the start of the walking tour) the fighting fell into a bloody, seesaw pattern: Confederates capturing the line or artillery, Federals driving them off, then reinforcements again charging the guns. Late in the afternoon Confederates finally seized and held Henry Hill.
Union Retreat. The battle was decided on Henry Hill but ended on Chinn Ridge (the rising ground to the left). From here fresh Confederate brigades crossed Sudley Road and overwhelmed the Union right flank. An exhibit there depicts that final assault.
Thirteen months later, these armies fought over the same terrain. Check the park folder for the auto tour of Second Manassas.
Marker can be reached from Sudley Road (Virginia Route 234) 0.6 miles south of Lee Highway (U.S. 29), on the right when traveling north.
Courtesy hmdb.org
