The Battle of Ball's Bluff took place on October 21, 1861, during the American Civil War. It was fought near Leesburg, Virginia, between Union and Confederate forces. The Union troops, led by Colonel Edward D. Baker, aimed to secure a strategic position but faced unexpected resistance from Confederate forces under General Nathan Evans. The battle resulted in a significant defeat for the Union, with heavy casualties and the death of Baker. This loss highlighted the challenges faced by Union leadership and led to increased scrutiny of military strategies in the early stages of the war.