Retrograde in History · 1861
First Battle of Bull Run
On July 21, 1861, Mercury was mid-loop — retrograde in Leo, tracing backward through 0°53′ of the sign.
WhenJuly 21, 1861♌︎Leo 0°53′Rx windowJul 9 – Aug 2, 1861
The record
On July 21, 1861, the First Battle of Bull Run in Prince William County, Virginia, became the first major land engagement of the American Civil War, ending in a Confederate victory after Union forces were delayed in positioning against roughly 18,000 troops on each side.
Coincidence, not causation: the date is real and ephemeris-based, but a retrograde window is observed, never blamed. For entertainment, not navigation.