Blackburn's Ford
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Blackburn's Ford was the crossing of Bull Run by Centreville Road between Manasass and Centreville, Virginia, in the United States. Named after the original owner of the Yorkshire Plantation (McLean's Farm), Col. Richard Blackburn formerly of Yorkshire, England. The land was acquired by Wilmer McLean in 1854 who owned it until 1867.
On July 18, 1861 this was the site of Battle of Blackburn's Ford. Brig. Gen. Irvin McDowell's initial probe of Confederate defenses in what would become the first major land battle of the Civil War. Due to heavy resistance from the fortified Confederate position that he encountered here, McDowell decided against a direct attack on Manassas Railroad Junction and opted to flanking maneuver he employed at First Manassas.
During the actual battle on July 21, the ford was again the site of action as Brig. Gen. James Longstreet first crossed the Bull Run but found his position exposed to Union artillery. Later he sent reconnaissance missions that discovered McDowell had sent his forces to cross Sudley Ford on the Confederate left. In the final stages of the battle Longstreet again sent forces across the ford in an attempt to rout the retreating Union forces but rear guard action halted his advance.
The location of the Blackburn's Ford is close to modern day State Route 28 crossing Bull Run. This area still bears the name Yorkshire.
[edit] References
- Yorkshire Plantation Historical Marker Text
- OFFICIAL RECORDS: Series 1, vol 2, Part 1 (First Manassas Campaign)
- Longstreet Chronicles: Official Report
- Official Report of Col. Jubal A. Early
