The first major battle of the Civil War took place at

Virginia

Explanation:

"Known in the north as the Battle of Bull Run and in the South as the Battle of Manassas, this battle, fought on July 21 1861 in Virginia was the first major battle of the Civil War. It was a Confederate victory."

one way archaeology us understand the past is through the material objects it finds, allowing us to know what was being used, and when. for example a dig recently found a flute, believed to be the oldest musical instrument found to date.

i hope this