The Battle of Ball's Bluff was small in terms of the number of soldiers involved, but the Union forces suffered a large number of casualties. There were reports of dead Union soldiers floating downriver to Washington which brought the reality of the war to the city.
This is a one-mile trail that loops in a circle with interpretive signs. Along the way you learn about the battle of Ball’s Bluff which was fought on October 21, 1861 and was the result of a mistake. Although the opposing numbers were almost equal, in the open, with their backs to the bluff the Union soldiers effectively were trapped.
Estimated Casualties
Union
Number of Soldiers 1720
Killed 49
Captured 553
Wounded 158
Missing 161
Confederate
Number of Soldiers 1709
Killed 36
Captured 2
Wounded 117
Missing 0
Guided tours are offered on the weekends. This park does not have any restroom facilities.
To get to the park from Downtown Leesburg take Route 7 east toward DC, then Route 15 Bypass north. Turn right on Battlefield Parkway (this is a residental area) and left on Ball's Bluff Road. The park is located at the end of the street.