The First Battle of Manassas started on Matthews Hill - the prominent rise one-half mile ahead of you. Thousands of Federals were swiftly advancing in this direction. Confederate Capt. John Imboden rushed four cannon into position near here to try and slow the Federal attack. The artillerists fired at top speed, knowing it would take massive reinforcements to stop the Yankees.
Confederate resistance on Matthews Hill collapsed after ninety minutes of combat. Through smoke and dust, the fugitives fled past the Stone House and across the Warrenton Turnpike (U.S. Rte. 29 today). The retreating revels scrambled up the slopes of the Henry and Robinson farms in search of a place to rally. Imboden's gunners fired a few parting shots and then galloped to the rear.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service