During the Second Battle of Bull Run, which took place on August 28–30, 1862, in Prince William County, Virginia, Stony Ridge played a significant role as a strategic position. Here's an overview of its importance:
Confederate Defense: Stony Ridge was a natural defensive position about 1.5 miles long, stretching from the Warrenton Turnpike on the left (northern end) to the Sudley Springs Road on the right (southern end). It featured several large boulders and rocky outcroppings that provided cover for Confederate infantry.
Key Observation Point: The crest of Stony Ridge offered an excellent view of the surrounding terrain, allowing the Confederates to monitor the Union troop movements and artillery positions. Confederate generals, including Robert E. Lee, James Longstreet, and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, used the ridge as an observation point to coordinate their defensive strategy.
Battle of August 29th: On the second day of the battle (August 29), Union General John Pope ordered a series of assaults against the Confederate positions on Stony Ridge. Union troops, including Brig. Gen. John Gibbon's "Iron Brigade," attempted to storm the ridge but were repeatedly repelled by fierce Confederate fire.
Turning Point: The defense of Stony Ridge was crucial for the Confederates as it helped blunt the Union attacks. The Confederates managed to hold their ground and inflict heavy casualties on the Union forces, effectively ending any further attempts to dislodge them from the position.
Confederate Counteroffensive: After repulsing the Union assaults on Stony Ridge, the Confederates launched their counteroffensive on the morning of August 30. Longstreet's First Corps and Jackson's Second Corps surged from Stony Ridge and flanked the Union left, leading to a general Confederate victory in the battle.
In summary, Stony Ridge was a critical strategic point in the Second Battle of Bull Run, allowing the Confederates to maintain a defensive advantage, repulse Union attacks, and ultimately launch a successful counteroffensive against the Union Army of the Potomac.