Irvin McDowell

Irvin McDowell was a U.S general born in Franklin County, Ohio. October 15, 1818. He graduated from West Point in 1838, served in the Mexican War, and was made brigadier-general soon after the beginning of the American Civil War.

He was the Union commander at the First Battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861. Afterwards he had charge of the forts at Washington, DC.

He served during 1862 in northern Virginia, and fought in the Second Battle of Bull Run.