Manassas National Battlefield Park
Manassas, Virginia is where the first major Union victory of the Civil War was achieved. On August 30, 1861, four days into what would become the first battle of the war, a small band of Confederate soldiers under command of Captain John Bankhead Magruder surprised and routed Northern forces that had been stationed in the town for months to train and prepare for upcoming conflict. What happened at this narrow field near Bull Run Creek became known as the First Battle of Bull Run. If you’re interested in learning more about this pivotal moment in American history, visiting a battlefield park or reading accounts of eyewitnesses to this incredible victory, you’ll find plenty to see and do at Manassas National Battlefield Park. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect when visiting this historic site. Call your friends and family to visit this historic site at 6511 Sudley Rd, Manassas, VA 20109. More Here
What is Manassas National Battlefield Park?
The battlefield where the First Battle of Bull Run was fought is now managed as a national park. Many visitors to Manassas National Battlefield Park are interested in visiting the site of the First Battle of Bull Run. The park preserves more than 100 acres of the battlefield and offers a number of visitor activities and programs including ranger-led programs and special events. The park also features a museum with a number of artifacts and exhibits about the battle and the Civil War. If you’re interested in visiting Manassas National Battlefield Park, you’ll want to start by getting yourself oriented to the site, including where the Union and Confederate camps were located, what the terrain looked like, and how the battle progressed.
What to do at Manassas National Battlefield Park
The one thing you don’t want to miss at Manassas National Battlefield Park is the Virginia Rangers Program, led by park rangers. This program offers a guided tour of the battlefield and a chance to see how the park is managed and how the site is preserved. You’ll also learn about the use of the land and the heritage of the park, including the stories of the many visitors who have come to see this famous battleground. The Manassas National Battlefield Park Visitor Center next door to the ranger program offers many of the same resources as the ranger program but in a more conventional visitor center format. Here you’ll find an orientation to the park, a self-guided tour of the battlefield, maps and materials about the park and battlefield, and a gift shop. Next Article
See the battlefield at Manassas National Battlefield Park
The battlefield at Manassas National Battlefield Park can be very busy on the weekends, especially in the warmer months, so it’s best to visit on a weekday. You can also visit on the first Saturday of September, when there is a re-enactment of the battle. The park also offers daily tours of the battlefield. These tours are guided by park rangers, and they offer an opportunity to see how the park is managed and get a closer look at the site and its history. The Civil War Battlefields Association, a non-profit group, also offers a number of themed tours, including a tour that covers the battle from the perspective of the Confederate side. For a more extensive tour of the battlefield that covers both sides of the conflict, you can also sign up for a narrated tour offered by the Manassas Museum.
Hear the story at The First Battle of Bull Run Association Museum
The First Battle of Bull Run Association Museum offers a number of exhibits about the Confederate victory at Bull Run, including a look at the challenges that the Union soldiers faced during this initial battle. The museum also has exhibits about the creation of the park and its role as a National Battlefield Park. While the park has many resources about the battle, the association museum is one of the few places you’ll find an account of what happened on the Union side. The First Battle of Bull Run Association Museum is also the site of the annual re-enactment of the battle. This is a great way to learn more about the battle and to experience it close-up. Be sure to buy tickets in advance to be sure you get a ticket for a specific time of the day.
Final words: recommended day trips from Manassas, VA
If you have the time and the energy, a trip to Manassas National Battlefield Park is a must. It’s a lot of driving, but it is a very interesting trip. For those who want to get the most out of their trip to the battlefield, you can also visit the nearby battlefields of Bull Run and Blackburn Mills, both of which played an important role in the early days of the war. If you do visit Manassas, be sure to plan ahead for the long day trip and bring plenty of water and snacks.