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The prized railroad junction, located just North of the town in the peaceful Virginia countryside, witnessed two battles between the North and South armies in 1861 and 1862. As the war began, the South's General Beauregard began to set up a defense of the rail junction. The press and opinion in the North cried 'On to Richmond' wanting to get this 'war' over with, and show the Rebels who was in charge. In July, 1861, about 35,000 Union soldiers marched to Manassas and met 32,000 Confederate soldiers and the first Battle of Bull Run ensued. Spectators from Washington, actually came to picnic and watch the battle. The armies on both sides were undisciplined and short on training. The North seemed to be winning, but a late charge by the South sent the Union army back home in a panic. The day ended with over 1,200 dead. Some later 'well-knowns' from that battle included: Stonewall Jackson, Jeb Stuart, William Tecumsah Sherman, George Armstrong Custer, McClellan and Longstreet. The second battle of Bull Run occured in August, 1862, when Robert E. Lee and his forces overcame the Union army in a 3-day battle and marched on to the Potomac River. The 2nd Manassas battle cost over 9,400 lives.