Virginia was a crucial state during the Civil War due to the number of battles fought in the state. Although Virginia was not the only state where battles were fought, more Civil War battles were fought in Virginia than in any other state. Many historians have tried to put a specific number on the number of battles fought in the Commonwealth; however, it is a highly debatable question because part of Virginia has also been the site of numerous skirmishes, which are slightly different from battles. While all Civil War battles are important, there are also differing opinions about which battles were the most important. Personally, three of the most important Civil War battles fought in Virginia include the First Battle of Bull Run or Manassas, the Battle of Chancellorsville, and the Battle of Appomattox or Appomattox Courthouse. The First Battle of Bull Run/Manassas was significant because it was the first major land battle of the Civil War. The battle began on July 21, 1861 at approximately 5:15 am. During this particular battle the Confederate and Union commanders were not the individuals commonly associated with the Civil War. In fact, the Union was commanded by Irvin McDowell and the Confederate forces were commanded by Joseph Johnson and PGT Beauregard. Initially, Abraham Lincoln and the federal government ordered General Irvin McDowell and his troops to advance south of Washington toward Bull Run, which would bring them closer to the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia. Lincoln thought that an early victory among the Confederates would force them to end their acts of rebellion in a quick battlefield. The Confederate Army obtained information about the attack that Union forces had… half the document… handed over to General Ulysses S. Grant because he had nothing left to lose. Although McLean had decided to step away from the battles after the First Battle of Bull Run, the Civil War still had its final days at McLean's home in Appomattox County. Although all of the Civil War battles were not fought in the Commonwealth, the number of battles fought in Virginia and their significance to the war made Virginia an important state in the Civil War. There is no specific criterion for determining which battles fought in Virginia are considered more important than others and in fact some would argue that all battles are equally important. Much like a musical performance where the audience generally remembers the beginning and end of the piece, it is typical for individuals to remember the significance of the wars first battle and last battle.