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Northern Virginia Regional Parks Authority’s map of the Battle of Ball’s Bluff

Union forces under Brig. General Charles P. Stone crossed the Potomac at Harrison’s Island looking to attack a suspected Confederate camp near Leesburg, Virginia. A timely Confederate counterattack led by Confederate Brig. General Nathan “Shanks” Evans drove the Federals over the bluff and into the Potomac river. 553 Union soldiers were captured in the rout. Colonel Edward D. Baker (a U.S. Senator) was killed. This Union defeat had severe political ramifications in Washington and led to the establishment of the Congressional Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War.

Note: This map was produced by the Northern Virginia Regional Parks Authority and is displayed here with their expressed permission.

Learn More: The Battle of Ball’s Bluff