what were battle conditions in the battle of Bull Run like?

Answer 1

Patrick,

I am assuming you mean the First Battle of Run, which was fought in July 186l. It was the first major battle of the Civil War, so both sides were disorganized. The Union, under Gen. McDowell was pressed into action by a strong and rather naive, "On to Richomond" public view. These Northerners thought Richmond could be easily taken and the Civil War ended.

I have been to Bull Run (river or creek how Northeners named battle) and Manassas (the city how Confederates named battle).
In comparison to other battlefields I have visited the terrain is fairly flat. It was the first major battle for both sides and the green troops responded accordingly. The Union attack was too slow. General J.E. Johnston came from Winchester to save the Confederates at Manassas under Gen. Beaureguard. When the Union attack failed, the Confederates counterattacked and sent the Union fleeing back to Washington, including Northern spectators, who thought the battle would be more like a football game and an easy rout for the Union--they surprisingly learned the were in harms way!

The Confederates being green lacked the organization to really follow up on their counterattack . It still was considered a strong victory for the South.