How to Visit Manassas National Battlefield in Virginia
The Battle of Manassas was fought twice in the early stages of the Civil War and won both times by the Confederacy. Known as the Battle of Bull Run by the South, its success substantiated the military careers and historical significance of two generals: Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee. The first battle prompted a wake-up call for the North, as the elite Washingtonians would arrive, parking their carriages on a nearby hillside expecting to see an afternoon of polo pony type skirmishes. Instead, onlookers were left aghast by the mayhem and carnage. Like most National Battlefields, touring the significant points of interest can be done at leisure by automobile and can be accomplished easily within a day.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Plan the visit during the summer or autumn. While the Second Manassas took place in March, weather in northern Virginia can be cold and unpredictable during the spring. A summer visit concurs with the First Manassas, which was fought in July. In contrast to the carnage that took place, autumn offers a tranquil visit, when foliage paints the countryside.
-
2
Plan the visit as an extension of a greater Washington D.C. trip. Located about thirty minutes southwest of the District, Manassas is only a few minutes south of the Smithsonian Udvar-Hazy Center, where the Enola Gay resides. Manassas is about a 1/2-hour west of Mount Vernon. Rent a car, since all three destinations are not accessible by Washington Metro.
-
-
3
Fly into any of the Washington area airports and access I-495, the Beltway, to I-66. Use the map of Virginia to locate the city of Manassas and the battlefield.
-
4
Stop at the Visitor Center and view the map room. The darkened room provides a relief map of the battlefield and the narrative explains the events of the battles, complete with routes lighted up showing the advances of the opposing armies.
-
5
Ask the ranger about trail conditions and inclement weather. Get a map of the battlefield.
-
6
Leave the center and take a walking tour around Spring Hill. Much artillery is on display. There are monuments to great generals, specifically Stonewall, and memorials to battalions who fought in the battles. Take particular interest in the Henry House and the small graveyard out front.
-
7
Take the auto tour described in the map. The order of the tour coincides with the order of events. The tour will provide maximum significance if the order is followed. Significant locations include farm houses that existed during the battle, bridges, battle locations and a Confederate cemetery.
-
8
Visit Battery Heights and then the Stone House (2) to see an original 19th century inn located at the crossroads. The rooms upstairs are accessible by a stairway and a central hallway at the lower level. The dining and social area is on the right and the tavern is on the left.
-
9
Note that the city of Manassas has encroached upon the battlefield and that many residences border the park. You might see a display of the Confederate flag at some homes.
-
10
See all eleven points of interest. The last one is Stone Bridge, a place of retreat for the Union and a beautifully recreated replica arching across Bull Run. Manassas was a great awakening for the North where the defense department and the politicians fully recognized Jackson and Lee as formidable foes.
-
1
Resources
- Photo Credit James Barnett
