In 1861, a skirmish at Fairfax Court House became the first land battle of the war
While the Civil War is often remembered for its massive battles, the first land engagement of 1861 was a confused midnight skirmish in Virginia that proved how unprepared both sides were for the coming conflict.
On June 1, 1861, the first land battle of the American Civil War followed the fall of Fort Sumter at Fairfax Court House. A company of United States Cavalry rode into the village, surprising a small force of Virginian militiamen. The resulting chaos took place in the dark, leading to the death of Confederate Captain John Quincy Marr, the first combat officer to die in the war.
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