On a bright Sunday morning on July 21, 1861, the first real major battle in the Civil War occurred between the North, and South. This famous battle was known as the First Bull Run which took place in Manassas, Virginia.n a bright Sunday morning on July 21, 1861, the first real major battle in the Civil War occurred between the North, and South. This famous battle was known as the First Bull Run which took place in Manassas, Virginia.