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USA South
MANASSAS, VIRGINIA, USA – It was a warm day on July 21, 1861. The rolling green hills and forests of Manassas, cut by the flowing waters of Bull Run Creek, undoubtedly presented a bucolic view, as they do today. On this day, however, the calm "normalness” of the then rural countryside would be forever altered. Two armies – fighting on opposite sides of a nation bitterly divided, took to the field for the first time.
Energy, confidence and idealism ran high for both Federal and Confederate troops. Everyone was sure the Civil War would be a short affair – nothing that a few minor skirmishes couldn’t settle. So prevalent were opinions that this would be a minor hiccup on the road to our nation’s progress that civilians even made the trek from neighboring cities to picnic on the edge of the battlefield and watch the proceedings from a “safe” distance.
Everyone was wrong.
By the end of that bloody day nearly 900 dead bodies littered the battlefield after the 1st Battle of Manassas (also known as the 1st Battle of Bull Run). In August of 1862, another battle took place here. Gone was naiveté and enthusiasm. Just one year later, both the soldiers and the public were weary from the bloodiest and deadliest war our nation has ever faced. The nearly 3,300 lost lives at the 2nd Battle of Manassas did little to change anyone’s opinion.
Today the place looks peaceful once more. Any hints of the drama and carnage that took place are external – the authentic civil war cannons placed on what would have been federal and confederate battle lines, the restored homes of the farmers who occupied the land at the time of the battles, and the confederate cemetery, final resting place of over 500 (mostly unidentified) confederate soldiers. Perhaps most poignant is the Henry Hill monument, built by union soldiers to honor the dead of the 1st Battle of Manassas. Dedicated on June 13, 1865, the simple monument reads “In memory of the patriots.”
Anyone wanting to reconnect with that dark era of our nation’s past can pick up a self-guided walking tour brochure at the Henry Hill visitor’s center. Take time to go through the museum where interactive exhibits illustrate the history and you can see actual relics and historic objects collected from the battlefields. An informative movie, shown in the visitor’s center, will take you through the events leading up to that day, the battles themselves, and the aftermath. Taking the time to explore the visitor’s center will enhance the experience of visiting the historic sites outside its doors.
More Than History
The attraction of this area does not lie completely in the past. Today’ visitors are as likely to come here for recreation as they are for history. The park is popular with local and regional residents who come to enjoy its 25 miles of hiking and brindle trails, and peaceful picnic grounds.
Whether you come for recreation, history, or both, everyone in the family is sure get something meaningful from a visit to the Manassas National Battlefield Park.
Tip:
Visitors to the park in mid July though late August (as well as on the anniversary of the battles) can participate in history demonstrations. You might even experience the thundering, soul shaking boom of the authentic civil war cannons, capable of firing a 10 lb object cannonball at 300 mph!
The Manassas National Battlefield Park is located at 12521 Lee Highway in Manassas, Virginia 20109. Phone 703-361-1339 or click to www.nps.gov/mana.
For more information about visiting this area in general, contact the Prince William County/Manassas Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.VisitPWC.com or call toll free 800-432-1792.
USA South
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Everyone was wrong.
By the end of that bloody day nearly 900 dead bodies littered the battlefield after the 1st Battle of Manassas (also known as the 1st Battle of Bull Run). In August of 1862, another battle took place here. Gone was naiveté and enthusiasm. Just one year later, both the soldiers and the public were weary from the bloodiest and deadliest war our nation has ever faced. The nearly 3,300 lost lives at the 2nd Battle of Manassas did little to change anyone’s opinion.
Today the place looks peaceful once more. Any hints of the drama and carnage that took place are external – the authentic civil war cannons placed on what would have been federal and confederate battle lines, the restored homes of the farmers who occupied the land at the time of the battles, and the confederate cemetery, final resting place of over 500 (mostly unidentified) confederate soldiers. Perhaps most poignant is the Henry Hill monument, built by union soldiers to honor the dead of the 1st Battle of Manassas. Dedicated on June 13, 1865, the simple monument reads “In memory of the patriots.”
Anyone wanting to reconnect with that dark era of our nation’s past can pick up a self-guided walking tour brochure at the Henry Hill visitor’s center. Take time to go through the museum where interactive exhibits illustrate the history and you can see actual relics and historic objects collected from the battlefields. An informative movie, shown in the visitor’s center, will take you through the events leading up to that day, the battles themselves, and the aftermath. Taking the time to explore the visitor’s center will enhance the experience of visiting the historic sites outside its doors.
More Than History
The attraction of this area does not lie completely in the past. Today’ visitors are as likely to come here for recreation as they are for history. The park is popular with local and regional residents who come to enjoy its 25 miles of hiking and brindle trails, and peaceful picnic grounds.
Whether you come for recreation, history, or both, everyone in the family is sure get something meaningful from a visit to the Manassas National Battlefield Park.
Tip:
Visitors to the park in mid July though late August (as well as on the anniversary of the battles) can participate in history demonstrations. You might even experience the thundering, soul shaking boom of the authentic civil war cannons, capable of firing a 10 lb object cannonball at 300 mph!
Practicalities
The Manassas National Battlefield Park is located at 12521 Lee Highway in Manassas, Virginia 20109. Phone 703-361-1339 or click to www.nps.gov/mana.
For more information about visiting this area in general, contact the Prince William County/Manassas Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.VisitPWC.com or call toll free 800-432-1792.
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