Civil War Cub Run Bridge, Centreville, Virginia

Cub Run bridge played a prominent role 159 years ago. It seems to get lost in the trees, hustle and bustle of its Centreville, Virginia suburb when you walk or drive by it today. But on July 20, 1861, the day before the First Battle of Manassas/Bull Run, this bridge curried Union troops to their staging areas a few miles just east of the Stone Bridge at Bull Run. Troops camped in the adjoining fields off of the now Route 29 anxiously awaiting the next day. Many pinned notes to their clothes to be passed onto their loved ones in case they perished the next day.

Other troops traversed the Cub Rub bridge the morning of July 21, 1861. This was quite the scene. Thousands of Union troops mustered at 2:30am and started their formation and march toward the fields of battle. There was much delay due to factors attributed to the difficult terrain, inexperienced recruits, issues with command coordination and communications and, also fatigue from the grueling Virginia weather and thirst.

The day long battle witnessed the ebb and flow of successes by both Union and Confederate forces around the now famous Mathews Hill, Buck Hill (nearest the very distinguishable Stone House), and also Henry Hill where Confederate forces were able to bring very timely, additional infantry to the engagement later in the day. The tip in numbers was a key in the turn of fortunes, resulting in the Union retreat. Chaos and panic ensued and the Cub Run bridge was used in the egress to Centreville and Fairfax, Virginia and eventually to Washington DC.

When I drive over this now obscure bridge at Cub Run, I am struck by its importance. It was the route to the first major engagement of the Civil War. It was also the place where great heroism was launched at a crucible in our country’s history. History happened here! See the then and now pictures below. The battle fields are a few miles in the left direction (west).

Other articles include: A Humbling Glimpse in Time. Search Lewark Medium