Battle of Philippi (Philippi Races): The First Organized Land Battle of the American Civil War

Q: What was the American Civil War battle known as the Philippi Races?

The Battle of Philippi on 3 June 1861 was the first organized land engagement of the American Civil War and is sometimes referred to as the Philippi Races.

Q: Why is the Battle of Philippi known as the Philippi Races?

The Battle of Philippi is also known as the Philippi Races because the Confederate forces in the town of Philippi were surprised by an early morning artillery assault by Union troops and fled quickly. Northern press outlets coined the term "Philippi Races" to make fun of the retreating Confederates.

Q: Who won the American Civil War Battle of Philippi?

The Union forces won the Battle of Philippi by surprising the new and poorly prepared Confederate troops in an early morning assault on the town.

Q: Why is the American Civil War Battle of Philippi important?

The Battle of Philippi (3 June 1861) is important because it is the first organized land engagement of the American Civil War and was a Union victory. The First Battle of Bull Run, fought on 21 July 1861, a Confederate victory, is usually cited as the first battle of the Civil War - but this is not so.

Joshua J. Mark

Battle of Philippi (Philippi Races)

The First Organized Land Battle of the American Civil War

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Definition

The Battle of Philippi (3 June 1861) was the first organized land engagement of the American Civil War, fought in Philippi, Virginia (present-day West Virginia) over a month before the more widely recognized First Battle of Bull Run (Battle of First Manassas) on 21 July 1861, commonly held to be the first battle of the war.

More about: Battle of Philippi (Philippi Races)

Timeline

3 Jun 1861
The Battle of Philippi (Philippi Races) becomes the first organized land engagement of the American Civil War; it is a Union victory.

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