| Virginia, Manassas — 1st Massachusetts Infantry — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 29, 1862 3:00 p.m. 1st Brigade (Grover), Second Division (Hooker) Third Corps (Heintzelman), Army of the Potomac, USA 1st Massachusetts Infantry Col. Robert Godwin “Without artillery and without supports, our men advanced. We reached a railroad bank when from the rear of the embankment arose the enemy. They poured a tremendous volley into our lines. The effect was terrible. Men dropped in scores, writhing and trying to crawl back, or lying stone-dead where they fell. The . . . — Map (db m40535) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — 2nd New Hampshire Infantry — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 29, 1862 3:00 p.m. 1st Brigade (Grover), Second Division (Hooker) Third Corps (Heintzelman), Army of the Potomac, USA 2nd New Hampshire Infantry Col. Gilman Marston “There was a crash of Rebel musketry, an answering roar of Yankee cheers, and almost instantly the 2nd was pouring over the railroad embankment. The first Confederate line was driven in upon a second, and here occurred the most desperate fighting of the day—a hand to hand fight with bayonets and clubbed . . . — Map (db m40532) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — 45th Georgia Infantry — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 29, 1862 3:00 p.m. Thomas’ Brigade, A.P. Hill’s Division Left Wing (Jackson) Army of Northern Virginia, CSA 45th Georgia Infantry Maj. W. L. Rice “General Hill had sent a courier previously for us to get out but we failed to get the order. Our brigade fought like heroes. The first we knew both wings had given away and the 45th was nearly surrounded. I stood on the embankment and fired right down amongst the enemy just as they were charging up the bank. I turned and saw the . . . — Map (db m40525) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — 49th Georgia Infantry — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 29, 1862 3:00 p.m. Thomas’ Brigade, A.P. Hill’s Division Left Wing (Jackson) Army of Northern Virginia, CSA 49th Georgia Infantry Lt. Col. S. M. Manning “The enemy made a dash at our brigade, about 1500 strong, and broke our lines. It was a hand to hand fight. A part of our regiment was cut off from the rest, and I succeeded in attaching myself to the 14th South Carolina of Gregg’s Brigade, which was on our left. Taking a musket from a dead man I went in as a private and . . . — Map (db m40553) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — 63rd Pennsylvania Infantry — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 29, 1862 5:30 p.m. 1st Brigade (Robinson), First Division (Kearny) Third Corps (Heintzelman), Army of the Potomac, USA 63rd Pennsylvania Infantry Col. Alexander Hays “As the word “Charge!” rang out, we dashed forward with gleaming bayonets and loud yells on the enemy. It was desperate work. The enemy waited until we got close up and then poured such a withering volley into our line that it seemed to shrivel up and reel back. Rapidly rallying, we made another . . . — Map (db m40530) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Archer’s Brigade — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 29, 1862 5:30 p.m. A.P. Hill’s Division, Left Wing (Jackson) Army of Northern Virginia, CSA Archer's Brigade Brig. Gen. James J. Archer 1st Tennessee 19th Georgia 7th Tennessee 5th Alabama Battalion 14th Tennessee “As my leading files entered the railroad cut, I saw the enemy advancing up it from the left. I ordered the 1st Tennessee to fire, which it did with great effect. This first fire was answered by a furious assault upon my whole front. For 20 minutes or more we . . . — Map (db m40523) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Battle of Bull Run Bridge — Liberia — Second Manassas Campaign |
| | In Aug. 1862, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee ordered Gen. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson from the Rappahannock River to keep Gen. John Pope’s and Gen. George B. McClellan’s armies from uniting. Jackson marched on Aug. 25, and Lee followed the next day with the rest of the Army of Northern Virginia. Jackson captured Bristoe Station and Manassas Junction late on Aug. 26. When reports reached Pope, he thought it was one of J.E.B. Stuart’s raids and ordered Gen. George W. Taylor’s . . . — Map (db m13286) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Burning of Manassas |
| | Manassas Junction was twice destroyed by fire in the Civil War and badly damaged by fires in 1905 and 1911. The Confederates burned their base here in March 1862 to avoid seizure by the Federals and Stonewall Jackson destroyed the Federal base in August, 1862. — Map (db m2456) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Clover Hill Farm |
| | In 1770 Patrick Hamrick sold this land to Rutt Johnson who used the land for crops and fruit trees and later added livestock. This property became known as CLOVER HILL FARM prior to 1852. During the Civil War the Johnson family left the area. When they returned they found that their home and crops had been burned by retreating Union soldiers. The stone weaving house and the slave quarters survived. They rebuilt the house, replanted the orchards and purchased registered Jersey cows. The dairy . . . — Map (db m40212) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Confederate Cemetery |
| | Dedicated by the Ladies Memorial Association of Manassas, on August 30, 1889, to the heroes of Virginia and her sister states, who yielded their lives on July 18 & 21, 1861 & August 28, 29 & 30, 1862, in defense of the Confederate cause. — Map (db m19815) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — 50 — Dean Divers Church |
| | This area was known as Five Forks during the Civil War and was settled by freed slaves during Reconstruction. In 1900 a Missionary Sunday School was opened on Balls Ford Road by Miss Jennie Dean. In 1909 this site was donated by Henritta Page. Though financial contributions by the Divers family of New Jersey and efforts of Miss Dean, the establishment of Dean Divers Baptist Church became a reality. — Map (db m20962) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Defenses of Manassas |
| | In this vicinity stood a number of small earthworks erected by the Confederates in the summer of 1861 to protect the railroad and their army’s base here. The Confederates evacuated Manassas in March, 1862, destroying what militarily useful material they could not remove. — Map (db m2470) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — CL-5 — Fifth Prince William County Courthouse |
| | The city of Manassas originated in 1852 at the junction of the Manassas Gap and the Orange & Alexandria railroads. During the Civil War the junction’s strategic significance led to two important battles nearby. After the war, as the community grew, citizens sought to move the county seat there from Brentsville. In 1872, a year before Manassas was incorporated as a town and again in 1888 referenda failed. A third referendum in 1892 succeeded. This Romanesque Revival courthouse designed by James . . . — Map (db m778) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Gregg’s Brigade — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 29, 1862 5:30 p.m. A.P. Hill’s Division, Left Wing (Jackson) Army of Northern Virginia, CSA Gregg's Brigade Brig. Gen. Maxcy Gregg 1st South Carolina 12th South Carolina 1st South Carolina Rifles 13th South Carolina 14th South Carolina “Though wearied, we knew the struggle was yet to be renewed. The enemy soon came, now in greater force, but our little band met them with as much determination as ever. Our men fell fast around us. Federals pressed on, crossed the railroad cut . . . — Map (db m40563) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Grover’s Attack ▪ Union Bayonet Charge — Second Battle of Manassas — Day Two, August 29, 1862 |
| | Grover’s troops waited for the Rebels to fire, then charged up the ten-foot embankment. With no time to reload, Confederates were caught hugging the rear slope. The charging Federals stabbed with bayonets, crushed skulls with musket butts, and broke through the next line of defenders. Their success was almost suicidal; no one reinforced Grover’s advance. As Georgians and South Carolinians rushed to close the gap, the isolated Federals had to fall back over the ground they had won, back through . . . — Map (db m40570) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Harry J. Parrish |
| | Harry J. Parrish—The Man. Harry Jacob Parrish was born February 22, 1922 and has made Manassas his lifelong home. He attended Prince William county schools, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Wofford college, and schools of the US Air Force. Hs military service of almost three decades began is 1943 with the US Army Air Corps and ended with retirement from the US Air Force in 1971 with the took of Colonel and many military commendations. During World War II, he was one of the legendary . . . — Map (db m702) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Katie Hooe House |
| | This structure reputedly is the oldest dwelling in Manassas. Part of the building is of log and is supposed to have been built before the Civil War. Most of the original houses of the hamlet of Tudor Hall—subsequently Manassas, were in the fields in this area. In 1861 the Confederates erected a hospital nearby. — Map (db m2415) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — CL-4 — Manassas |
| | According to tradition the name Manassas was derived either from an Indian source or from Manasseh, a Jewish innkeeper at Manassas Gap (35 miles west). The community originated in 1852 at the junction of the Manassas Gap and Orange & Alexandria railroads, which linked northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., with the Shenandoah Valley and central Virginia. During the Civil War the junction's strategic importance led to the battles of First and Second Manassas (Bull Run). Manassas was incorporated as a town in 1873 and became a city in 1975. — Map (db m23697) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Manassas 1825 — Liberia Plantation — Plantation & Civil War Headquarters |
| | Built by the Weir family in 1825, this Federal-style home is one of the few pre-Civil War dwellings that remains in the area. Once a prosperous 2,000-acre plantation, Liberia had a general store, a post office, and a school, and boasted a successful farm with as many as 80 slaves. During the Civil War, Liberia was headquarters to both Confederate forces under Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard, and Union forces under Gen. Irvin McDowell. Both Confederate President Davis and President Lincoln are believed . . . — Map (db m28309) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Manassas 1850 — Katie Hooe House & Tudor Hall — A New Village |
| | The Kate Hooe House at 8920 Quarry Road is the only known building in the historic district believed to date from the pre-Civil War period, when Manassas was a small village at the junction of two railroad lines. This wood frame house contains a rear ell, constructed of logs, that was used as housing for railroad workers. Just east of this spot stood the early 19th century farm dwelling Tudor Hall, (later structure pictured at right), which gave its name to the train stop and post office . . . — Map (db m23798) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Manassas 1862 — Civil War Railroad Turntable & Repair Shop — Railroad Central to War |
| | In this vicinity stood the Civil War era Orange & Alexandria Railroad repair shops. Just east of Manassas City Hall stood the sidings and turntable of the railroad, used to reverse the direction of a train. When the Confederates evacuated the Manassas area in March 1862, the turntable, an engine, rolling stock, and other equipment were destroyed to keep them out of enemy hands. Since the railroad track was torn up before the locomotive could be sent south, the engine was wrecked where it sat (see photo on left). — Map (db m23825) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Manassas 1890 - 1900s — Railroad Work's Homes Add Variety to City Architecture — A Prosperous Town |
| | After the county seat moved to Manassas in 1892, and the Southern Railway continued to prosper, the area outside the core downtown and along the railroad track experienced a building boom. The new clapboard homes ranged in style from Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne to Craftsman and American Foursquare. Several examples of turn-of-the-19th century Queen Anne-style dwellings are concentrated in the 9300 block of Prescott Avenue, and were built for Southern Railway employees: see the R.L. . . . — Map (db m23797) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Manassas 1892 — Annaburg Manor — Grand Summer Home |
| | Prussian-born Robert Portner, Alexandria brewer and businessman, built Annaburg in 1892 as his show place summer home and escape from the city. It became the center of beauty and interest with 35 rooms, electricity, and reportedly, one of the first homes in the country equipped with mechanical air conditioning, of his own invention. Twenty landscaped acres and a park of luxurious trees, some of which still stand, surrounded the house. The 2,000-acre estate included a deer park, fountains, a . . . — Map (db m28356) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Manassas 1900 — A Flurry of Construction — Speiden Leaves Mark on Town |
| | As Manassas grew and prospered in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the historic district filled with prominent homes, churches, and commercial buildings. The town had two banks and two newspapers. Telephone service began in 1895. Albert Speiden (pictured at right), a noted Washington, D.C. and Virginia architect who lived on Battle Street, designed the first Town Hall and many buildings and churches in Old Town. Manassas builders John, Frank, and Ira Cannon, and Benjamin C. Cornwell . . . — Map (db m23826) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Manassas 1906 — Rebuilding Manassas — A Spirit of Optimism |
| | When the Civil War ended, newcomers and residents rebuilt the burned and devastated landscape around this vital railroad junction. The resulting town of Manassas, incorporated in 1873, quickly became the transportation and commercial hub of Prince William County. After a devastating 1905 fire, optimistic Manassas citizens rebuilt the town again. The town council required that buildings erected in the central business district be constructed of brick, stone, or concrete. Most of the prominent . . . — Map (db m23828) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Manassas Presbyterian Church |
| | Built in 1875, this building served the congregation for 100 years. Built of locally quarried red sandstone, the church had original Tiffany windows which were removed to the new church. The church was shown in My Son John, a movie partially filmed in Manassas in 1952 starring Van Heflin and Helen Hayes. Two former steeples have been removed. — Map (db m2471) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Manasss 1905 - The Great Fire — Courage & Determination Save Town |
| | During the cold winter night of December 5, 1905, a smoldering fire began in Blossom's Alley across the tracks from the train depot. It soon raged through the young town of Manassas, destroying 35 homes, the post office, and business bordered by Main, Center, and Battle Streets and the railroad tracks. Standing shoulder to shoulder, men, women, and children of all ages passed buckets of water and wet blankets down Center street to extinguish the fire. Local lore tells that brickmaker Donation . . . — Map (db m23773) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Mayfield Civil War Fort — A Civil War Redoubt — The Manassas Museum System |
| | This 11-acre historic park, part of the Manassas Museum System, contains one of only two surviving Civil War fortifications in the City of Manassas. The earthwork was built by Confederate troops in the Spring of 1861 as part of the Manassas Junction defenses, on the Hooe family farm, Mayfield. The historic site contains the Mayfield house foundation and the Hooe family cemetery, as well as walking trails, interpretive markers, and reproduction cannon. Please proceed along the marked trails . . . — Map (db m2366) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Mayfield Civil War Fort — The People and the Land — The Manassas Museum System |
| | American Indians lived on the land long before white settlers and slaves came to this area. Living in nomadic hunter-gatherer groups, people called the Dogues and the Mannahoacs roamed the Northern Virginia Piedmont region. Archaeological evidence dates human activity on this site to at least 6,000 years ago. As European settlement advanced westward from the Tidewater region, the native peoples withdrew. In 1740 Patrick Hamrick patented his tract of land, which became known as Mayfield. The . . . — Map (db m2386) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Mayfield Civil War Fort — Unearthing the Past — The Manassas Museum System |
| | Archeology is the detective work of history. Evidence recovered from the soil often provides valuable clues for learning how people lived, worked, and died, especially when documentary sources are scarce. Excavations were conducted at the Hooe House site by the Archeology Society of Virginia (ASV) in 1984-85. The fort site was excavated during a nine-month period in 1987 by Thunderbird Archeological Associates. Additional fieldwork, including a cross-section of the earthwork wall, was carried . . . — Map (db m2393) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Mayfield Civil War Fort — Monster Manassas - How Strong a Stronghold? — The Manassas Museum System |
| | The Mayfield earthwork, known in military engineering terms as a redoubt, was a circle of raised earth some 200 feet in diameter. It may have included a retaining wall of timbers and brush, and planks to support artillery. While capable of self-defense, a redoubt was designed to provide overlapping fields of fire with other earthworks. Contemporary opinions on the strength of the Manassas defenses varied considerably. Some authors of the day spoke of the strength of the fortifications: . . . — Map (db m2396) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Mayfield Civil War Fort — Firepower — The Manassas Museum System |
| | Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard, commander of the troops defending Manassas, had been one of the pre-war U.S. Army's outstanding artillerists. Fearing an imminent Union attack, he worked feverishly to obtain cannons for the fortifications and experienced crews to man them. Most of the available guns were horse-drawn field pieces capable of firing canister (cases of small iron balls) or solid shot in weights of 10 or 20 pounds. The reproduction Model 1857 “Napoleon” cannon at right was . . . — Map (db m2405) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Mayfield Civil War Fort — Quaker Guns — The Manassas Museum System |
| | Some of the Confederate cannons placed at Manassas and nearby Centreville were for show only. These non-functioning cannon were intended to deceive Union soldiers who might turn their telescopes on the earthworks: “This was nothing other than huge mock guns of wood—‘Quaker guns’ as they have come to be called....Some of these Quaker guns are mere logs with the bark on, just as they come from the tree. Others have the end pointing outward, colored black. Others again are fashioned . . . — Map (db m2408) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Mayfield Civil War Fort — Fortifying the Junction — The Manassas Museum System |
| | Following Virginia’s decision to secede from the Union in in April 1861, Southern troops began arriving here at the small village of Tudor Hall, which soon came to be known as Manassas Junction. This place, where the Orange & Alexandria and Manassas Gap railroads intersected, was quickly transformed from a quiet farming community into a military stronghold. Some 20,000 new recruits poured in from across Virginia and other Southern states. Confederate leaders recognized the importance of . . . — Map (db m41503) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Mayfield Civil War Fort — The Changing Fortunes of War — The Manassas Museum System |
| | After the First Battle of Manassas on June 21, 1861, Confederate forces continued to hold Manassas Junction until March 1862. They evacuated Manassas and moved south in order to counter Union Gen. George B. McClellan’s plans to attack Richmond. During this period, Union forces occupied the abandoned Confederate earthworks. Manassas Junction became an important supply base for the Federals. On August 26, 1862, Confederate Gen. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson’s troops briefly . . . — Map (db m41504) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Mayfield Civil War Fort — Manning the Fort — The Manassas Museum System |
| | The life of Civil War soldiers in camp was one of boredom, fear, mischief, disease and even death. Thousands of young men, many of whom had never before left their family farms or urban neighborhoods, were crowded into the makeshift camps. Disease could run rampant, and sanitary conditions were often inadequate. Most men lived in tents year-round, though the Confederates built crude wooden huts during the winter of 1861-1862. Much of the soldier's day was spent learning military drill. They . . . — Map (db m41505) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — CL-6 — Old Bennett School |
| | In 1908 the General Assembly authorized ten agricultural high schools, one in each congressional district. The first such school was built in Manassas in 1908-1909 and named for Dr. Maitland C. Bennett, who donated the land. During construction, workers discovered the graves of unknown Civil War soldiers. Union veteran George Round, a Manassas school district trustee, and Confederate veteran George Tyler, school superintendent, decided to erect the school over the burials as a monument to the . . . — Map (db m772) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Opera House |
| | Built circa 1907. Served as the main community center for Manassas until the mid 1930s. It later was used by the Manassas Journal newspaper. — Map (db m2472) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Peace Jubilee — Friendship and Reconciliation |
| | In July, 1911, an amazing event took place here at Manassas, Virginia. The Manassas National Jubilee of Peace brought together Union and Confederate veterans fifty years after the first major battle of the Civil War. For the first time, veterans of both sides came together on the same ground in a ceremony of peace and reconciliation.
The idea for the Peace Jubilee, a week-long celebration of national healing and reunion that took place July 16-22, came in a letter to the Washington . . . — Map (db m2469) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Second Brigade — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 29, 1862 5:45 p.m. 1st Division (Stevens), Ninth Corps (Reno) Army of the Potomac, USA Second Brigade Col. Daniel Leasure “As we approached, we poured a well directed fire upon the enemy. Our line charged, and as the enemy scrambled up the other side of the embankment we loosed a destructive fire and seized the abandoned position. But, soon the enemy opened a heavy fire. Seeing that it was useless to attempt to hold the position, General Stevens ordered me to fall back . . . — Map (db m40527) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Second Brigade — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 29, 1862 5:30 p.m. 2nd Brigade (Birney), First Division (Kearny) Third Corps (Heintzelman), Army of the Potomac, USA 4th Maine Infantry Col. Elijah Walker 40th New York Infantry Col. Thomas W. Egan 101st New York Infantry Col. Nelson A. Gesner “We advanced within 30 yards of the enemy, who held a railroad cutting some 15 feet deep with precipitous sides. The men began their work in deadly earnest. After nearly three quarters of an hour firing, our cartridges were . . . — Map (db m40556) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Site of Manassas Junction |
| | One mile west was the junction of the Orange and Alexandria and Manassas Gap Railroad lines. The point became known as Manassas Junction. During the Civil War both sides used the area as a supply base. The site of the first depot was probably about one half mile to the east. The present structure was erected by the Southern Railroad in 1914, and is the third building on this site. For many years this depot was an important passenger and freight stop in commerce between markets of the north, south, and Shenandoah Valley. — Map (db m700) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Steam Locomotive Tire Fire Alarm – 1909 |
| | One of the challenges for volunteer fire departments is how to alert their members to a fire. In July 1909, the Town of Manassas authorized Mr. J. I. Randall, the first town Fire Chief, to purchase three locomotive tires to be suspended in frames in different parts of town to be used as fire alarms. Each alarm was to be furnished with a hammer or other device to strike the tire.
One alarm was located on Center Street by the Town Hall, another was placed on Grant Avenue at the present . . . — Map (db m392) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Steam Locomotive Tire Fire Alarm – 1909 |
| | One of the challenges for volunteer fire departments is how to alert their members to a fire. In July 1909, the Town of Manassas authorized Mr. J. I. Randall, the first town Fire Chief, to purchase three locomotive tires to be suspended in frames in different parts of town to be used as fire alarms. Each alarm was to be furnished with a hammer or other device to strike the tire.
One alarm was located on Center Street by the Town Hall, another was placed on Grant Avenue at the present . . . — Map (db m2417) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Sudley Springs Ford — July 21, 1861 — First Battle of Manassas |
| | About 9:30 a.m. the Union flanking column, numbering 15,000 strong, began crossing Catharpin Run here and moved southward toward Matthews Hill. Late in the afternoon this ford served as one of the principal avenues of retreat for the defeated Union army. — Map (db m39209) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Sudley Springs Ford — First Battle of Manassas — July 21, 1861 - 9:30 a.m. |
| | Soon after crossing Bull Run, the Union flanking column splashed across Catharpin Run here at Sudley Springs Ford. More than 13,000 soldiers passed this spot over a six-hour period. The lengthy march over dusty roads had taken its toll. Exhausted men fell out of ranks to replenish canteens with muddy water. Soldiers threw away unnecessary equipment to lighten loads. Muffled sounds of combat could now be heard in the distance. From this point forward, the sense of anticipation and excitement grew – battle was close at hand. — Map (db m62053) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — The Manassas Museum — Defending the Junction — First and Second Manassas Campaigns |
| | During the 1850s two railroad lines, the Orange & Alexandria and the Manassas Gap, intersected at a small Prince William County village that became known as Manassas Junction. In 1861 more than 20,000 Confederate troops from across the South gathered in what is today downtown Manassas. Working alongside slaves requisitioned from local farms, they built a ring of earthen fortifications around the junction. Naval cannon captured in Norfolk were included in the defenses, manned by Confederate . . . — Map (db m41506) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — The Marines of '61 |
| | To support the advance into Virginia, the Navy Department detailed a battalion of U.S. Marines for temporary field service with Brig. Gen. Irvin McDowell's Union army. The Marine Commandant, Col. John Harris, expressed misgivings about the inexperience of his available force. Of the 350 Marines then training at the Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C. most were raw recruits with less than three weeks' service.
During the fight for Henry Hill, the Marines supported the batteries of Captains . . . — Map (db m44674) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Wartime Manassas — Prelude to First Manassas |
| | (Preface): During the Civil War, two railroads—the Manassas Gap and the Orange and Alexandria—intersected here. Manassas Junction was strategically important to both the Union and the Confederacy as a supply depot and for military transportation. Two of the war’s great battles were fought nearby. Diaries, letters, and newspaper articles documented the war’s effects on civilians as well as the thousands of soldiers who passed through the junction. More than 34,000 Confederate . . . — Map (db m2453) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Wartime Manassas — World’s First Military Railroad |
| | (Preface): During the Civil War, two railroads—the Manassas Gap and the Orange and Alexandria—intersected here. Manassas Junction was strategically important to both the Union and Confederacy as a supply depot and for military transportation. Two of the war’s great battles were fought nearby. Diaries, letters, and newspaper articles documented the war’s effects on civilians as well as the thousands of soldiers who passed through the junction. Just in front of you ran the . . . — Map (db m2459) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Wartime Manassas — Walking and Driving Tours |
| | The Manassas Museum System invites you to take walking and driving tours of the city’s historic Civil War sites. This map shows the locations of the sites featured on both tours. Copies of the map may be obtained inside the museum to take with you. To begin the downtown Manassas walking tour, follow the trail to the marker at the bottom of this hill to your right front. Return here to retrieve your car and begin the Manassas driving tour. — Map (db m2462) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Wartime Manassas — “On to Richmond!” |
| | (During the Civil War, two railroads—the Manassas Gap and the Orange and Alexandria—intersected here. Manassas Junction was strategically important to both the Union and the Confederacy as a supply depot and for military transportation. Two of the war’s great battles were fought nearby. Diaries, letters, and newspaper articles documented the war’s effects on civilians as well as the thousand of soldiers who passed through the junction.)
On July 16, 1861, Confederate Gen. P.G.T. . . . — Map (db m2464) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Wartime Manassas — Jackson’s Daring Raid |
| | (During the Civil War, two railroads—the Manassas Gap and the Orange and Alexandria—intersected here. Manassas Junction was strategically important to both the Union and the Confederacy as a supply depot and for military transportation. Two of the war’s great battles were fought nearby. Diaries, letters, and newspaper articles documented the war’s effects on civilians as well as the thousand of soldiers who passed through the junction.)
You are standing at the site of a massive . . . — Map (db m2465) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Wartime Manassas — The Curious Descend on Manassas for Curios |
| | (During the Civil War, two railroads—the Manassas Gap and the Orange and Alexandria—intersected here. Manassas Junction was strategically important to both the Union and the Confederacy as a supply depot and for military transportation. Two of the war’s great battles were fought nearby. Diaries, letters, and newspaper articles documented the war’s effects on civilians as well as the thousand of soldiers who passed through the junction.)
In the days following the First Battle of . . . — Map (db m2466) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Wartime Manassas — “The Sickness is Upon Us” |
| | (During the Civil War, two railroads—the Manassas Gap and the Orange and Alexandria—intersected here. Manassas Junction was strategically important to both the Union and the Confederacy as a supply depot and for military transportation. Two of the war’s great battles were fought nearby. Diaries, letters, and newspaper articles documented the war’s effects on civilians as well as the thousand of soldiers who passed through the junction.)
In 1861, there were only 30 surgeons and 84 . . . — Map (db m2467) HM |
| Virginia, Manassas — Wartime Manassas — Confederates Withdraw to Richmond |
| | During the Civil War, two railroads—the Manassas Gap and the Orange and Alexandria—intersected here. Manassas Junction was strategically important to both the Union and the Confederacy as a supply depot and for military transportation. Two of the war’s great battles were fought nearby. Diaries, letters, and newspaper articles documented the war’s effects on civilians as well as the thousand of soldiers who passed through the junction.
You are standing in the midst of what was a . . . — Map (db m2468) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — "...Like a Stone Wall" — First Battle of Manassas |
| | On the brow of the hill Brig. Gen. Bernard Bee was desperately trying to rally his men when he caught sight of Thomas J. Jackson with fresh troops here at the edge of the pine thicket. "Look!" Bee shouted. "There stands Jackson like a stone wall! Rally behind the Virginians!" The nickname spread rapidly through the Confederate Army and throughout the South. "Stonewall" Jackson was on his way to becoming a legend. Jackson's Line You are standing in the center of Stonewall Jackson's line . . . — Map (db m8304) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — "The Very Vortex of Hell" — Second Battle of Manassas — Day Three - August 30, 1862 - 4:15 p.m. |
| | From their position atop this ridge, the soldiers of the 5th New York Infantry listened to the crash of battle. It appeared the regiment had escaped combat that day. Most of the fighting raged one mile to the north near Deep Cut. Around 4 p.m. an ominous silence took hold. Much of the distant firing had stopped. Suddenly a violent burst of musketry pierced the stillness. Terrified Union skirmishers came running out of the woods, followed by a tremendous crashing of brush and leaves - the sound . . . — Map (db m58858) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — “The Unfinished Railroad” |
| | These cuts and fills are what remain of the Independent Line of the Manassas Gap Railroad. The Independent Line was constructed in the mid-1850s to connect Gainesville, 5 miles to the west, with Alexandria, 25 miles to the east. After completing the grade, the Manassas Gap Railroad Company ran out of money. No tracks was ever laid. — Map (db m658) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 10th New York Vol. Infantry — National Zouaves |
| | Erected by the State of New York, to commemorate the patriotic services of the 10th Reg't New York Volunteers National Zouaves Mustered into the U.S. Service April 27th 1861. Reorganized as a Battalion, April 27th 1863. Participated in 23 battles and campaigns, including the surrender of the Confederate Army at Appomattox, Va. April 9th, 1865. Here, August 30th 1862 the Regiment assisted in resisting the assault of a superior force of the enemy, losing nearly a third of its number, one . . . — Map (db m9836) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 13th New York Infantry — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 30, 1862 3:15 p.m. 1st Brigade (Roberts), First Division (Morell) Fifth Corps (Porter), Army of the Potomac, USA 13th New York Infantry ("Rochester Regiment") Col. Elisha G. Marshall "The Rebel infantry poured in their volleys, and we were scarcely a dozen feet from their muzzles of their muskets. Oh, it was terrible! For twenty minutes the shattered regiments held the slope swept by a hurricane of death, and each minute the bullets hummed like swarming bees, and then those yet . . . — Map (db m18310) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 15th Alabama Infantry — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 30, 1862 3:15 p.m. Trimble's Brigade (Brown) Ewell's Division (Lawton) Left Wing (Jackson) Army of Northern Virginia, CSA 15th Alabama Infantry Maj. A. A. Lowther "On the right the Federals were in an old field in plain view, and the 15th Alabama got in some deadly work at a right oblique. The Federals just simply jammed up against the embankment opposite the right of the 15th. They were so thick that it was impossible to miss them. What a slaughter! What a slaughter of men that . . . — Map (db m18360) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 15th Alabama Infantry — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 28, 1862 7:15 p.m. Trimble's Brigade, Ewell's Division Left Wing (Jackson) Army of Northern Virginia, CSA 15th Alabama Infantry Maj. A. A. Lowther "My position in line at this fence was in the immediate rear of Alonzo Watson. We were both on our knees, he firing through a crakc, and I firing over the top of the fence. My left elbow was at once time resting on his shoulder when all at once I heard a "thud" and poor 'Lonzo began to relax and sink, exclaiming in a low tone 'Oh Lordy, . . . — Map (db m39316) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 19th Indiana Infantry — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 28, 1862 7:00 p.m. 4th Brigade (Gibbon), First Division (King) Third Corps (McDowell), Army of Virginia, USA 19th Indiana Infantry Col. Solomon Meredith "The enemy was secreted under cover of a fence and did not make their appearance until we had approached to within 75 yards. Immediately upon our halting the enemy fired. Three different times they came up at a charge, but the 19th stood firm. They fell back to their fence each time." -Col. Solomon Meredith — Map (db m8430) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 20th New York State Militia — "Ulster Guard" — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 30, 1862 3:15 p.m. 3rd Brigade (Patrick), First Division (Hatch) Third Corps (McDowell) Army of Virginia (Pope), USA 20th New York State Militia (80th New York Volunteers) "Ulster Guard" Col. George W. Pratt "The order was given to advance, and the three lines moved slowly forward, receiving the enemy's musketry and canister. The first and second lines melted away, and I found myself in the first line and under a murderous fire. The right of my line advanced to within a few yards . . . — Map (db m18359) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 21st Georgia Infantry — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 28, 1862 7:15 p.m. Trimble's Brigade, Ewell's Division Left Wing (Jackson) Army of Northern Virginia, CSA 21st Georgia INfantry Capt. Thomas C. Glover "The fence being reached, the work of death commenced at short range. From this fence we poured volleys into the enemy for 30 or 40 minutes, when orders were given to fix bayonets and charge. The Federals held their lines until we were so close that the blazes from their guns seemed to pass through our ranks. Then they fled and the . . . — Map (db m18298) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 21st North Carolina Infantry — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 28, 1862 7:15 p.m. Trimble's Brigade, Ewell's Division Left Wing (Jackson) Army of Northern Virginia, CSA 21st North Carolina Infantry Lt. Col. Sanders Fulton "We halted at this fence, quickly tore it down, and piled the rails in front. It offered us good protection. The Federals were in a gully, or branch, about 100 yards distant. We opened fire on them, but it soon became dark, that we could not see their position, but could only fire at the flashes of their guns, as I suppose . . . — Map (db m39432) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 24th New York Infantry — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 30, 1862 3:15 p.m. 1st Brigade (Sullivan), First Division (Hatch) Third Corps (McDowell), Army of Virginia, USA 24th New York Infantry ("Oswego Regiment") Maj. Andrew Barney "Those of us on the embankment were too few to even attempt to drive out the Confederates on the other side, and accordingly lay as flat to the slope as we could, crawling occasionally to the top, and discharging our muskets, held horizontally over our heads. Bullets were pouring in from the infantry beyond us. . . . — Map (db m18317) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 26th Georgia Infantry — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 28, 1862 7:15 p.m. Lawton's Brigade, Ewell's Division Left Wing (Jackson) Army of Northern Virginia, CSA 26th Georgia Infantry Maj. Eli S. Griffin "We were ordered in just after dark. We marched steadily across an open field for about 400 yards, over which the balls were flying by the thousands. When we reached a fence the men were ordered to lie down. We poured volley after volley into the enemy. Then General Lawton ordered the brigade to change. The Yankees did fearful execution; . . . — Map (db m18358) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 2nd New Hampshire Infantry — First Battle of Manassas |
| | July 21, 1861 11:00 a.m. 2nd Brigade (Burnside), Second Division (Hunter) Army of Northeastern Virginia, USA 2nd New Hampshire Infantry Col. Gilman Marston "With the 71st New York State Militia on its left, the 2nd New Hampshire rushed to the front, and opened its store of buck and ball on the enemy. In front of the 2nd the rebels were well covered from view by the dense brush along a line of rail fence in the edge of the woods; but the men aimed low and blazed away. It was a square . . . — Map (db m9734) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 2nd Rhode Island Infantry — First Battle of Manassas |
| | July 21, 1861 11:00 a.m. 2nd Brigade (Burnside) Army of Northeastern Virginia, USA 2nd Rhode Island Infantry Col. John S. Slocum "The 2nd was hotly engaged and made so gallant a fight as to push the enemy off the plateau and partly down the hillside. In the cornfield on the slope, and among the woods beyond, they found temporary shelter. But the fire of the 2nd was hot and deadly, and although fresh enemy troops were constantly coming up, our men obstinately held the crest. For nearly . . . — Map (db m9737) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 2nd Wisconsin Infantry — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 28, 1862 7:00 p.m. 4th Brigade (Gibbon), First Division (King) Third Corps (McDowell), Army of Virginia, USA 2nd Wisconsin Infantry Col. Edgar O'Conner "Rebel infantry poured from the woods by the thousands. We were precisely on the brow of the hill in an open field. For an hour and fifteen minutes the most terrific fire imaginable was kept up; the hill top, the valley, and the wooded side of the hill beyond was a continuous sheet of flame. Darkness came on, the stars came out, and . . . — Map (db m8467) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 4th Alabama Infantry — First Battle of Manassas |
| | July 21, 1861 11:00 a.m. 3rd Brigade (Bee) Army of the Shenandoah (Johnson), CSA 4th Alabama Infantry Col. Egbert J. Jones "Our regiment had scarcely emerged from the timber before a murderous fire was opened on us by the Yankees. Our brave boys marched steadily up the hill in the face of the shower of balls. We were then ordered to halt and lie down. It was a critical moment, and a fearful position, but the boys stood it with courage and coolness." -Chaplain James G. Hudson — Map (db m9730) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 4th South Carolina Infantry — First Battle of Manassas |
| | July 21, 1861 6:30 a.m. 7th Brigade (Evans) Army of the Potomac (Beauregard), CSA 4th South Carolina Infantry Col. J.B.E. Sloan "Just before day on Sunday morning those of us on post nearest the Warrenton Turnpike heard the enemy approaching. We gave the alarm, and in a few minutes the regiment was formed in line of battle on the hill overlooking the Stone Bridge. Just at six o'clock the enemy fired their first gun (a cannon). It went over us, and in a few moments a regular firing was . . . — Map (db m9740) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 5th Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry — Duryee Zouaves |
| | Erected by the State of New York September 29, 1906, to commemorate the heroic services of the 5th Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry (Duryee Zouaves) ———————————— Here, about 4 p.m. August 30, 1862, the regiment, 482 strong, supported Hazlett's Battery, "D" 5th U.S. Artillery, when attacked by a Division of the victorious Confederates. The Regiment stubbornly withstood this force, and checked its advance, until the . . . — Map (db m9839) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 6th Wisconsin Infantry — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 28, 1862 7:00 p.m. 4th Brigade (Gibbon), First Division (King) Third Corps (McDowell), Army of Virginia, USA 6th Wisconsin Infantry Col. Lysander Cutler "When at short range, Colonel Cutler ordered the regiment to halt and fire. We were on low ground which, in the gathering darkness, gave us a great advantage over the enemy, as they overshot our line. Our fire did great execution. It seemed to throw the rebels into complete confusion, and they fell back into the woods behind them. . . . — Map (db m39317) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 71st New York State Militia — First Battle of Manassas |
| | July 21, 1861 11:00 a.m. 2nd Brigade (Burnside), 2nd Division (Hunter) Army of Northeastern Virginia, USA 71st New York State Militia Col. Henry P. Martin "The Alabama 4th, which had long ago expressed, in print, their desire to meet the New York 71st, deployed from a wood. The 71st, recognizing them, answered the challenge with a shout, and, springing forward, delivered a volley of musketry. They then charged down the hill upon them with tremendous vigor, intending to take them with . . . — Map (db m9733) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 73rd Ohio Infantry — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 30, 1862 5:00 p.m. 2nd Brigade (McLean), First Division (Schenk) First Corps (Sigel), Army of Virginia, USA 73rd Ohio Infantry Col. Orland Smith "The enemy in our front, moving in concert with those on our flank, came out of the woods - their line masking and overlapping our own. The whole left of our brigade poured into them a murderous volley. The combat grew fierce indeed. But the contest was not long. On came the flanking column. We stood until the enemy had nearly gained . . . — Map (db m9788) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 76th New York Infantry — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 28, 1862 7:15 p.m. 2nd Brigade (Doubleday), First Division (King) Third Corps (McDowell), Army of Virginia, USA 76th New York Infantry ("Cortland County Regiment") Col. W.P. Wainwright "Waving their colors defiantly, the rebels advanced from the woods to charge upon Gibbon's brigade to our left. Gibbon's men did not run. Those western men are not easily scared. They stood still and fired as fast as they could. We gave the Rebs a crossfire, thinning their ranks and prostrating their . . . — Map (db m18278) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 7th Georgia Markers |
| | Sometime after 1903, veterans of the 7th Georgia Infantry erected at least six markers on the Manassas battlefield to locate battle positions. Only this marker and one other approximately 350 yards southeast of here survive. Colonel Francis S. Bartow was killed while leading the 7th Georgia against Captain James B. Ricketts' battery. During the battle the 7th Georgia suffered 153 casualties out of 580 men present. — Map (db m8236) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 7th Wisconsin Infantry — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 28, 1862 7:00 p.m. 4th Brigade (Gibbon), First Division (King) Third Corps (McDowell), Army of Virginia, USA 7th Wisconsin Infantry Col. William W. Robinson "We soon found that we had to deal with General Ewell's whole division of picked men. We advanced within hailing distance of each other, then halted and laid down, and my God, what a slaughter! No one appeared to know the object of the fight, and there we stood on hour, the men falling all around; but we got no orders to fall . . . — Map (db m39372) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 30, 1862 3:30 p.m. 3rd Brigade (Butterfield), First Division (Morell) Fifth Corps (Porter), Army of the Potomac, USA 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry Capt. Thomas F. McCoy "The whole brigade went back pell mell together. It is probable that as many men were lost in the retreat as in the advance." - Capt. Amos Judson — Map (db m18314) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 8th Georgia Infantry — First Battle of Manassas |
| | July 21, 1861 11:00 a.m. 2nd Brigade (Bartow) Army of the Shenandoah (Johnson), CSA 8th Georgia Infantry Lt. Col. W.M. Gardner "Away we went straight into the teeth of the murderous fire. We entered a thicket and were within 100 yards of the enemy. Yet, not a gun of ours was fired until the command 'commence firing' was given. Most of the men were cool as cucumbers - each would load, pick his man, and take deliberate aim. We stood the fire in that wood for 30 minutes, and had the . . . — Map (db m9731) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — A Debt Repaid |
| | The stone rubble is all that remains of Christian Hill, the postwar home of Amos and Margaret Benson. Following the First Battle of Manassas, the Bensons discovered a wounded Union soldier, Private John Rice of the 2nd New Hampshire Infantry, left for dead near Sudley Church. For ten days, the Bensons dressed his wounds, provided him with food and water, and protected him from the elements. Rice eventually made a complete recovery. In 1886, John Rice returned to the Bull Run battlefield and . . . — Map (db m62052) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — A Stand Up Fight — Second Battle of Manassas — Day One - August 28, 1862 - Nightfall |
| | Union Brig. Gen. John Gibbon advanced through the woods with his men intent on driving off the Confederate artillery. Discovering Stonewall Jackson's infantry in force and "...finding that the regiment had become badly involved I ordered the rest of the brigade rapidly up to its support. They moved up and promptly formed in line ... then for over an hour the most terrific musketry fire I have ever listened to rolled along those two lines of battle." "A sheet of flame seemed to go . . . — Map (db m58808) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — G-19 — Action at Bristoe Station |
| | On 26 August 1862 Maj. Gen. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson’s command, led by Col. Thomas T. Munford’s 2d Virginia Cavalry and Maj. Gen. Richard S. Ewell’s division, arrived here at sunset after marching 54 miles in two days around Maj. Gen. John Pope’s Union army. They surprised and captured Pope’s infantry pickets, derailed two northbound trains, destroyed the Broad Run bridge, and cut telegraph wires to sever the Union lines of supply and communication with Washington. Jackson then . . . — Map (db m4852) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Attack From Matthews Hill — Cannoneer's-Eye View — First Battle of Manassas |
| | From the ridge beyond Stone House 15,000 Federals were swiftly advancing in this direction. Confederate Capt. John Imboden rushed four cannon into position here, to try to slow the Federal attack. Behind this slight rise the artillerists had some protection from enemy bombardment. Though the smoke and dust, Imboden's men could see outnumbered Confederate infantry starting to fall back from Matthews Hill. The connoneers kept firing at top speed, knowing it would take massive reinforcements to . . . — Map (db m8229) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Battery Heights — Second Battle of Manassas — Day One - August 28, 1862 - 6:30 p.m. |
| | As General Rufus King's Union division marched eastward along the Warrenton Turnpike (U.S. Route 29 today), they came under fire from Confederate artillery on the distant ridge. Captain Joseph Campbell's Battery B, 4th U.S. Artillery wheeled off the road and into position atop this rise to return fire. Campbell's six guns effectively silenced the Rebel batteries, allowing Federal infantry to confront the Confederates on the neighboring Brawner Farm. These were the opening salvos of the Second Battle of Manassas. — Map (db m58895) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Battlefield of Bull Run or First Manassas |
| | July 21, 1861. Confederates under General Beauregard defeated Federals under General McDowell. General Jackson given name of “Stonewall” on this field. Generals Bee and Bartow killed. Old stone house used as hospital. This marker erected July 21, 1928. — Map (db m840) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Ben Lomond — Pringle House Hospital |
| | On July 21, 1861, as elements of the Stonewall Brigade marched to the Manassas battlefield on the road behind you, officers converted the Pringle house (also called Ben Lomond) into a temporary field hospital. Soon wounded Confederates flooded the house and surrounding grounds. A medical attendant, E.A. Craighill (later in charge of Lynchburg’s Confederate hospitals), was one of many who took care of the large number of wounded. Every available space in the house was used to tend to the . . . — Map (db m43311) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 49 — Ben Lomond Farm |
| | The Federal style stone, “Manor” house and its accessory buildings are the visible reminders of Ben Lomond Farm, which was begun in about 1830 by Benjamin Tasker Chinn, the grandson of Robert “Councillor” Carter. Ben Lomond is one of the few remaining Carter family houses in an area which once exhibited such fine country residences as Portici, Pittsylvania, Hazel Plain, Mountain View, Elmwood, Sudley and Woodland. The house served as a hospital during the First and . . . — Map (db m43313) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Blocking the Union Advance — First Battle of Manassas |
| | Knowing they were badly outnumbered, Evans' 900 Confederates stared across this open field, waiting for the enemy to appear over the crest of the hill. Their only hope was to slow the 15,000-man Federal column long enough for reinforcements to arrive. When the first Federals topped the rise, the Confederates fired. Both sides rushed reinforcements into the fight, and the battle raged on a half-mile front. After 1 ½ hours, outflanked and overwhelmed, the Confederates retreated in disarray toward Henry Hill. The battle seemed lost. — Map (db m9660) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Brigadier General Francis Stebbings Bartow |
| | Born Savannah Georgia, Sept. 16, 1816 Mortally wounded on this spot, July 21, 1861 Commanded 7th, 8th, 9th & 11th Georgia & 1st Kentucky Regiments The first Confederate officer to give his life on the field. — Map (db m593) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Brooklyn Fourteenth |
| | 14th Regiment N.Y.S.M. (84th Regiment N.Y. Vols.) This monument is erected in commemoration of the dead of the regiment in the battles of First Bull Run, July 21, 1861 • Gainesville, August 28, 1862 • Groveton, August 29, 1862 • Second Bull Run, August 30, 1862.
In these and other engagements in which the regiment participated until mustered out of the United States Service June 6, 1864, the loss in killed and wounded aggregated about six hundred officers and enlisted men. — Map (db m14082) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Brownsville |
| | During the Civil War, the William M. Lewis plantation “Brownsville” consisted of 400 acres of land, a large family residence, and numerous outbuildings. Four of the buildings housed a total of twenty-two slaves. Here stood the main house, referred to affectionately by the postwar residents as “Folly Castle.” Nannie Neville Leachman fondly remembered childhood evenings she spent at Folly Castle after the war. “After supper we'd drift out on the porch, Papa in . . . — Map (db m14174) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — C-48 — Campaign of Second Manassas |
| | Here Taliaferro, of Jackson’s force, came into the highway in the late night of August 27, 1862. He was marching from Manassas to the position about a mile and a half to the north held by Jackson in the Second Battle of Manassas. — Map (db m604) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Carter Cemetery |
| | Over 70 members of the Carter family rest in this cemetery – spanning multiple generations and two centuries of continuous ownership. The graves are arranged in a linear pattern, although none are marked with an inscribed headstone. The cemetery includes the graves of Landon Carter, Jr., the builder of Pittsylvania, and his son-in-law Dr. Isaac Henry, whose widow Judith would be killed during the First Battle of Manassas. Following the destruction of Pittsylvania, the Carters built a . . . — Map (db m62819) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Cavalry Clash — Second Battle of Manassas - Day Three - August 30, 1862 |
| | These open fields and low hills make idea terrain for a cavalry fight. Here on the Lewis property, John Buford's cavalry was guarding the Union Army's left flank during the retreat from Henry Hill. Scouts reported Rebel cavalry approaching fast. Buford decided to attack immediately from the ridge where Route 66 now runs. By then the opposing columns were close enough to hear each other's commands: "Draw sabers! Forward, trot!" The lines of cavalry met head-on. Men were knocked from their . . . — Map (db m9758) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Cavalry Clash — Second Battle of Manassas — Day Three - August 30, 1862 - 6 p.m. |
| | As fighting stalled along Sudley Road, Union and Confederate cavalry partook in the final drama of the battle here on the grounds of Portici. Southern horsemen attempted to dash behind the Union army and cut their escape route. Anticipating this movement, General John Buford deployed his cavalry brigade near Portici to guard Lewis Ford on Bull Run. The opposing lines crashed together head-on in the nearby fields. Buford's troopers initially surprised and routed the leading Confederate . . . — Map (db m59008) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Charge on Griffin’s Guns — Raw Recruits: The 33rd Va. Infantry — First Battle of Manassas |
| | The Virginians were waiting, tense, here at the wood’s edge—their first time under bombardment. Shells from Ricketts’ battery exploded in the boughs overhead and plowed up the ground in front. When the two Union cannon rolled into position on top of the rise only 100 yards away, Col. A. C. Cummings gave the order to charge. Better to get the men moving, the colonel figured, before they panicked and before the Union guns could do more damage. You are about to follow in the footsteps of . . . — Map (db m895) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Church During Wartime — First Battle of Manassas |
| | People were on their way to worship—some already in the church yard—when thousands of Federal soldiers suddenly appeared marching south Sudley Road. Within minutes the sound of gunfire came from the direction of Matthews Hill. As wounded men stumbled back behind the lines, Federals turned Sudley Church into a field hospital. Harried surgeons used the altar for an operating table. — Map (db m878) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Colonel Cameron |
| | of the 79th New York Regiment was killed here on July 21, 1861. Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run) — Map (db m8231) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Colonel Fletcher Webster |
| | In memory of Colonel Fletcher Webster Who here fell August 30, 1862 while gallantly leading his regiment the 12th Mass. Volunteers This memorial was dedicated Oct. 21, 1914 by survivors of his regiment and Fletcher Webster Post, G.A.R. of Brockton, Mass. He gave his life for the principles laid down by his father Daniel Webster "Liberty and union, now and forever, one and inseparable" This boulder was taken from the Webster place, Marshfield, Mass. — Map (db m8469) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Colonel Thomas |
| | of Johnston's staff was killed here July 21, 1861. Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run) — Map (db m8238) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Company B, 4th U.S. Artillery — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 28, 1862 6:30 p.m. 1st Division (King), Third Corps (McDowell), Army of Virginia, USA Company B, 4th U.S. Artillery Capt. Joseph B. Campbell Six 12-pounder Napoleons "Campbell's pieces came up on the gallop, these fences along the pike being torn down to let them pass into the field. With shells bursting about them, they were placed in position and began to reply rapidly from the knoll from where I had first caught sight of the enemy's guns. - Brig. Gen. John Gibbon — Map (db m17476) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Confederate Counterattack — Second Battle of Manassas — Day Three - August 30, 1862 - 4 p.m. |
| | Generals Robert E. Lee and James Longstreet both concluded the moment had arrived to launch a massive Confederate offensive at Second Manassas. Longstreet's wing of the army - nearly 30,000 troops - stood primed to sweep forward and sever the Union army's line of retreat. Their goal, ironically, was Henry Hill - the key terrain of the First Battle of Manassas. Only three Federal brigades - fewer than 5,000 men - stood in their path. Following the bloody repulse at Deep Cut, other Federal . . . — Map (db m58861) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Confederate Headquarters — Portici — First Battle of Manassas |
| | Fought in civilian's fields and front yards, the battle had a terrible intimacy. At this site stood the Lewis home, "Portici" (Por-TEE-cee) - a large plantation. Most Confederate regiments passed through the Lewis property during the twelve hours of First Manassas. Portici made an idea headquarters for Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston. From here he had a bird's-eye view of the main roads and neighboring fields, and could shuttle reinforcements to any part of the line. After the battle Confederates used the house as a hospital. — Map (db m9757) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Confederate Headquarters — First Battle of Manassas — July 21, 1861 |
| | Portici made an idea headquarters for Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston. From here he had a commanding view of the main roads and surrounding countryside. Throughout the day Confederate regiments passed through the Lewis property en route to the front, and Johnston could forward these reinforcements to any part of the field. After the battle Portici became a field hospital. Surgeons ministered to the injured of both sides. The wounded filled the plantation outbuildings and covered every . . . — Map (db m59007) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Confederates Rally — First Battle of Manassas |
| | This field was a scene of confusion. Shells were exploding all around. Hot, tired, shot-up during the retreat from Matthews Hill, Confederate units had fallen out of line and were milling about. They felt they'd lost the battle and maybe the war. At that moment Generals Johnston and Beauregard arrived on the field to rally the scattered regiments, and the Confederate line began to re-form. Out of the woods behind you filed fresh reinforcements - Thomas J. Jackson's Virginia infantry. There at that line of cannon Jackson stood firm. — Map (db m8206) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Counterattack — First Battle of Manassas |
| | Dead cannoneers lay in rows between their cannon, dead horses along the back slope; the Union guns were immobilized yet still a magnet for both armies. Up this slope marched the 14th Brooklyn, resplendent in Zouave uniforms. They managed to recapture Griffin’s two guns—for a few moments. From here to Ricketts’ cannon (the start of the walking tour) the fighting fell into a bloody, seesaw pattern: Confederates capturing the line or artillery, Federals driving them off, then reinforcements . . . — Map (db m896) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Death of Fletcher Webster — Second Battle of Manassas - Day Three - August 30, 1862 |
| | On the morning of the 30th, Col. Fletcher Webster wrote his wife: "If a fight comes off, it will be to-day or to-morrow & will be a most dreadful & decisive one. This may be my last letter, dear love, for I shall not spare myself..." About 5 p.m., leading his regiment to support the cannon here on Chinn Ridge, Webster was shot through the right arm and chest. He lay helpless in the confusion of the Union retreat as Confederates overran the guns. According to Ludwell Hutchinson of the 8th . . . — Map (db m9828) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Deep Cut — Porter's Attack — Second Battle of Manassas - Day Three - August 30, 1862 |
| | Before the attack, soldiers massed in the woods behind the present day road - 10,000 men under Maj. Gen. Fitz John Porter. This would be the major Union attack of Second Manassas. At 3 p.m., a lieutenant in Berdan's Sharpshooters addressed his troops: "Now, men, if there are any here who think they are going to have an easy time on this skirmish, change your tune now." — Map (db m18361) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Defending the Cannon — 5th Maine Battery — Second Battle of Manassas - Day Three - August 30, 1862 |
| | Picture Longstreet's advance - gray lines of Confederates as far as you can see, driving Ohio troops from the rail fence across the field toward this position. Here four gun crews from Maine were trying to load and fire faster than they ever had in their lives. As Confederates surged into close range, the cannoneers switched from shell to canister. Like a giant shotgun, the barrage perforated the first line of assault, but reinforcements quickly filled the gaps. Confederates were soon cutting . . . — Map (db m9806) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Dunklin Monument |
| | T. L. Dunklin, of Co. E. 4th. Texas Regt. Born at Abberdeen Miss. March 25th. 1841, Fell at 2nd. Battle of Mannassas, Aug. 30th. 1862; Defending his Country. ——— — Map (db m14418) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Dying in Line — Second Battle of Manassas — Day One - August 28, 1862 |
| | At Brawner Farm there was little maneuvering. Union and Confederate infantry stood in parade-style lines fifty yards apart. At that range they could not miss. The soldiers fired volley after volley for two hours, with only a few fence rails and ruts in the field for cover. Even after sundown the shooting continued; men aimed at the muzzle flashes. Next morning Capt. W.W. Blackford, one of Jeb Stuart's officers, described the Union position, "marked by the dark rows of bodies stretched out of . . . — Map (db m8402) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Farm Ford — First Battle of Manassas |
| | July 21, 1861 Here, about 11:00 a.m., Col. William T. Sherman led his four regiments across Bull Run and joined the Union drive toward Henry Hill. Later that day the ford was used again, this time by the retreating Union army. — Map (db m9738) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Farm Ford — First Battle of Manassas — July 21, 1861 - 11 a.m. |
| | Colonel William T. Sherman spent the morning searching for a location suitable for his brigade to cross Bull Run. He ruled out the Stone Bridge - its narrow span stood too exposed, and rumors circulated that the bridge was mined. Turning his attention upstream, Sherman received unexpected assistance from a reckless Confederate. A Southern officer, possibly Major Roberdeau Wheat rode down from this bluff and stood in the creek taunting Union soldiers. In the process, he revealed a shallow . . . — Map (db m63040) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Federal Artillery Position — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 29 & 30, 1862 Federal Artillery Position A succession of Union artillery batteries occupied this ridge throughout August 29 and 30, 1862. August 29 Company I, 1st Ohio Light Artillery Capt. Hubert Dilger (9-11 a.m.) 2nd Battery, New York Light Artillery Lt. Theodore Blume (11 a.m. - 1 p.m.) Company E, 2nd U.S. Artillery Lt. Samuel N. Benjamin (Noon - 3 p.m.) 1st Battery, New Hampshire Light Artillery Capt. George A. Gerrish (7 p.m., one gun captured) August 30 Company B, 1st . . . — Map (db m9855) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Federal Artillery Positions — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 29 and 30, 1862 Federal Artillery Positions From the John Dogan House northward to this point, Union batteries occupied this ridge throughout the Second Battle of Manassas. At one time on August 30 more than thirty guns were firing from this line. — Map (db m15919) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Field Hospital |
| | After both battles U.S. Army surgeons used the small frame house and outbuildings that stood on this property: "In about two hours, Sudley Church was completely filled and I was obliged to take possession of three other unoccupied buildings. As soon as I could get them cleaned out, wounded men were carried into them until they were also filled." -Surgeon D.L. Magruder The lean-to addition was built after 1871 and housed a post office and country store. Further additions resulted in the building's present appearance. — Map (db m9749) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Fight at the Fenceline — Second Battle of Manassas - Day Three - August 30, 1862 |
| | From the left and rear came wave after wave of Confederates. At that moment the only troops facing them were two regiments of Ohio infantry taking cover behind the rail fence. (The Ohioans knew what was coming: they had witnessed the few surviving New York Zouaves stagger out of the woods.) The Confederate columns divided around Chine House and swept toward the fence line, less than 100 yards away. Suddenly the Ohioans rose and fired. Their concentrated volley struck the front rank of the . . . — Map (db m9759) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Fighting in Twilight — The Hatch-Hood Collision — Second Battle of Manassas - Day Two - August 29, 1862 |
| | Officers said the Rebels were retreating. Hatch’s Division was ordered to pursue. Marching double-quick west on the turnpike, the Federals reached this hill just after sundown.
Suddenly the ridge erupted with fire. In the confusion—screaming horses, showers of earth and shrapnel—soldiers lined up in the wrong regiments.
In the dying light, New York troops saw movement in the dark woods to the left. Voices shouted “Don’t fire on us, boys, we are coming to help . . . — Map (db m873) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — C-34 — First Battle of Manassas |
| | Henry Hill lies just to the south. Here the Confederates repulsed the repeated attacks of the Union army under McDowell. July 21, 1861. Here Jackson won the name “Stonewall” and from here began McDowell’s retreat that ended at Washington. — Map (db m596) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — C-44 — First Battle of Manassas |
| | On the Matthews Hill, just to the north, the Confederates repulsed the attack of the Unionists, coming from the north, in the forenoon of July 21, 1861. The Union forces, reinforced, drove the Confederates to the Henry Hill, just to the south. There the latter reformed under cover of Stonewall Jackson. In the afternoon, McDowell vainly attempted to rally his retreating troops on the Matthews Hill after they had been driven down the Henry Hill. — Map (db m602) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — First Brigade — (The Stonewall Brigade) — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 28, 1862 7:00 p.m. Jackson's Division (W. B. Taliaferro) Left Wing (Jackson) Army of Northern Virginia, CSA First Brigade (The Stonewall Brigade) Col. William S. Baylor 2nd Virginia 5th Virginia 4th Virginia 27th Virginia 33rd Virginia "Here one of the most terrific engagements that can be conceived of occurred. Our troops held the farmhouse while the enemy held the orchard. To the left our men stood in the open field without shelter of any kind. For two hours and a half, without . . . — Map (db m8465) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — First Brigade — (The Stonewall Brigade) — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 30, 1862 3:15 p.m. Jackson's Division (Starke) Left Wing (Jackson) Army of Northern Virginia, CSA First Brigade (The Stonewall Brigade) Col. William S. Baylor 2nd Virginia 5th Virginia 4th Virginia 27th Virginia 33rd Virginia "The Federals came up in front of us as suddenly as men rising up out of the ground. Our commander, Colonel Will Baylor, seeing that our line was about to falter, ran and took the flag. Waving it, the gallant Baylor dashed forward ahead of the brigade . . . — Map (db m18300) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — First Contact — First Battle of Manassas — July 21, 1861 - 10 a.m. |
| | The head of General Irvin McDowell's flanking column reached Matthews Hill shortly after 10 a.m. Progress had been slow. The rookie soldiers frequently broke ranks to rest. Some stopped to pick blackberries. More than 13,000 Union troops lagged behind schedule and strung out for nearly six miles. As the head of the column reached Matthews Hill, the rear of the column was still on the Warrenton Turnpike east of the Stone Bridge. Upon emerging out of the woods, the Union vanguard collided with . . . — Map (db m58975) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Fourth Brigade — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 30, 1862 3:15 p.m. Jackson's Division (Starke), Left Wing (Jackson) Army of Northern Virgina, CSA Fourth Brigade Col. Leroy A. Stafford 1st Louisiana 10th Louisiana 2nd Louisiana 15th Louisiana 9th Louisiana Coppens' Battalion "The Federal line advanced in perfect order, as if on dress parade, instead of as if marching on to death. The line was permitted to advance until we could read the expressions on every man's face. The fatal word "Fire!" was given by Colonel Nolan. When the . . . — Map (db m18333) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — General Barnard Elliott Bee |
| | General Barnard Elliott Bee of South Carolina Commander, Third Brigade Army of the Shenandoah was killed here July 21, 1861 Just before his death to rally his scattered troops he gave this command “Form. form. There stands Jackson like a stone wall: Rally behind the Virginians.” Presented by The Mary Taliaferro Thompson Southern Memorial Assn. of Washington, D.C. - July 21, 1939. (Rear of Monument): Lucy Steele Clay Chairman Alice Boswell Morrison Julia Neason Streater . . . — Map (db m540) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — George T. Stovall |
| | This marble marks the spot where fell George T. Stovall of the Rome Light Guards, 8th Regt. Georgia Volunteers in the battle of July 21, 1861. Born at Augusta, GA, April 25, 1835.
His life he devoted to his God and sacrificed in his country's defence.
His last words were I am going to heaven. — Map (db m1996) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Groveton – Second Battle of Bull Run |
| | August 30, 1862. Confederates under Generals Lee, Jackson and Longstreet defeated Federals under General Pope. General Longstreet dined at Old Dogan House. Fierce fight of R.R. cut half mile northwest. — Map (db m871) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Groveton Confederate Cemetery |
| | Neither side had anticipated the war's cost in blood. After the fighting at Manassas, burial details dug shallow graves where soldiers had fallen. There was little time for ceremony. Crude wooden headboards sometimes noted the soldier's name and regiment. Many went to their graves anonymously. The Bull Run and Groveton Ladies' Memorial Association, established in 1867, launched a campaign to recover Confederate dead from the battlefield. The organization established this cemetery and . . . — Map (db m58897) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Hazel Plain |
| | In 1860, Benjamin Chinn and his family lived here in a two-and-a-half story frame farmhouse. Known as "Hazel Plain," the modest plantation comprised several hundred acres. The property was typical of those in Prince William County, yielding wheat, corn, oats, and potatoes for cash and subsistence. Like roughly one-third of their immediate neighbors, the Chinn family owned slaves. War engulfed the Chinn homestead twice in thirteen months. Prominently located on a high ridge overlooking the . . . — Map (db m58865) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Henry Hill Walking Tour — Retracing the Battle — First Battle of Manassas |
| | On the tour route you follow in the footsteps of charging Union and Confederate troops, and stand where they loaded cannon or braced for a bayonet assault. Terrain and tree lines have changed little since that day. As you walk imagine deafening cannon and musket fire, whizzing shell fragments, and smoke rolling like acrid fog across the slope. Some of the bloodiest fighting occurred at Ricketts' artillery, twenty yards ahead. — Map (db m8270) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — G-15 — Henry House |
| | These are the grounds of the Henry House, where occurred the main action of the First Battle of Manassas, July 21, 1861, and the closing scene of the Second Battle of Manassas, August 30, 1862. — Map (db m600) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Historic Farm Road Trace — First Battle of Manassas |
| | Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson's First Virginia Brigade, plus artillery, marched from Confederate headquarters at the Lewis House ("Portici") along this wagon path to Henry Hill, arriving here about noon. — Map (db m8299) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Historic Landscape Restoration |
| | In 1997 the National Park Service and the Smithsonian Institution began to develop a proposal at Manassas National Battlefield Park to mitigate the loss of wetlands resulting from the construction of the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, a National Air and Space Museum facility at Washington Dulles International Airport. The two agencies selected a heavily disturbed area here near Stuart's Hill, the site of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee's headquarters during the Second Battle of Manassas in August . . . — Map (db m8374) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Honoring the Dead — First Battle of Manassas |
| | Union Soldiers built Henry Hill Monument to commemorate those who died at First Bull Run (Manassas). For many Civil War veterans this had been their first battle. Intense memories drew both Union and Confederate soldiers back to this scene years after the war. — Map (db m33211) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Invaded Farmland — First Battle of Manassas |
| | The morning of the battle was hot and still. Except for a few details the scene mirrored today's pastoral landscape. Fields lay fallow, overgrown with tall grass. Around the Henry House grew rose bushes and a small peach orchard. Eighty-five-year-old Judith Henry was inside, bedridden, too old to work the farm that had been in her family for more than a century. At ten o’clock Confederate cannon suddenly rumbled into position on the rise 100 yards ahead. There artillerists turned their guns towards Matthews Hill. — Map (db m879) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Jackson Opens Fire — Second Battle of Manassas — Day One, August 28, 1862, 6 p.m. |
| | "My command was advanced...until it reached a commanding position near Brawner's house. By this time it was sunset; but as [the Union] column appeared to be moving by, with its flank exposed, I determined to attack at once."
Observing a column of tired, unsuspecting Federal troops marching eastward on the Warrenton Pike (U.S. Rte. 29 today), General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson chose to reveal his position and draw the Union Army of Virginia into battle on ground favoring the Confederates. . . . — Map (db m45952) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Jackson Strikes — Brawner Farm: The Battle Begins — Second Battle of Manassas - Day One - August 28, 1862 |
| | Union troops were approaching from the west, raising a long cloud of dust on Warrenton Pike. They did not suspect any Confederate infantry in the area and paid little attention to a lone cavalryman trotting back and forth along this ridge. The horseman was Confederate Maj. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. Though Maj. Gen. John Pope's army had been hunting Jackson, Jackson had chosen the time and place to fight. He ordered up artillery to the left of the farmhouse and the Confederates . . . — Map (db m8458) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Jackson’s Route |
| | In 1861, small farms surrounded Bull Run. Small roads were the main transportation routes to the Warrenton Turnpike (Route 29), Sudley Road (Route 234) and the Manassas Gap Railroad. The entrance road here follows a section of a 19th-century farm lane that connected the Weir family’s Liberia Plantation and the Lewis family’s Portici Plantation. It was on this road that General Thomas J. Jackson led his First Virginia Brigade to the Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run) on July 21, 1861. The . . . — Map (db m2479) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — G-16 — James Robinson House |
| | To the south stood the farmhouse of James Robinson, a former slave freed by Landon Carter. There, during the First Battle of Manassas on 21 July 1961, Col. Wade Hampton’s Legion covered the Confederates falling back to Henry Hill, where Jackson stood “like a stone wall.” The house survived that battle, and during the Second Battle of Manassas in August 1862 served the Union troops as a field hospital. Congress later authorized compensation to Robinson for property damages. The . . . — Map (db m6590) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Kemper's Brigade — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 30, 1862 5:15 p.m. Kemper's Division, Right Wing (Longstreet) Army of Northern Virginia, CSA Kemper's Brigade Col. Montgomery D. Corse 1st Virginia - 11th Virginia 7th Virginia - 17th Virginia 24th Virginia "We neared the Chinn House, when suddenly a long line of the enemy rose from behind an old fence and poured straight into our breasts a withering volley. It struck the long line like an electric shock, but the officers surged ahead cheering on the men. It was a decisive . . . — Map (db m9782) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Kemper's Brigade — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 30, 1862 5:30 p.m. Kemper's Division, Right Wing (Longstreet) Army of Northern Virginia, CSA Kemper's Brigade Col. Montgomery D. Corse 1st Virginia - 11th Virginia 7th Virginia - 17th Virginia 24th Virginia "Above us, on a gentle rise, was a battery - the guns hidden from view by a dense curtain of smoke. Nothing could be seen but the flash of the guns. 'Form into line men! Forward! Charge that battery!' The veil of smoke slowly lifted, and we could see the muzzles of the guns. . . . — Map (db m9794) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Lieutenant Ramsey |
| | of Ricketts' Battery was killed here July 21, 1861. Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run) — Map (db m8234) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Lieutenant William P. Mangum |
| | of the 6th North Carolina, son of Senator Mangum was mortally wounded here on July 21, 1861. — Map (db m8239) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Lucinda Dogan House |
| | This house is the only remaining structure of the crossroads community of Groveton. Originally built as an overseer's cabin, it became the Dogan family's primary dwelling after the main house, "Peach Grove," burned in 1860. — Map (db m17469) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Lucinda Dogan House |
| | This small frame house stands as the only surviving original structure of the crossroad village of Groveton. Widow Lucinda Dogan and her five young children moved here shortly after their residence, “Peach Grove,” burned in 1860. The family joined to smaller outbuildings to create the present dwelling. The house was repeatedly caught in the crossfire of opposing Union and Confederate armies during the Second Battle of Manassas. Numerous bullets and shell fragments scarred the . . . — Map (db m57997) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Matthews Hill — First Taste of Combat — First Battle of Manassas |
| | Officers were trying to hurry the long Union column down the road past Matthews Hill. (McDowell's flanking plan depended on speed and surprise.) Suddenly there was a rattle of musketry ahead. Like a nightmare in sunlight, men stumbled out of the dense smoke, horribly wounded. Two men rushed past carrying Colonel Slocum. As Union infantry and artillery pushed forward, they could hear the enemy starting to charge upslope. In the distance ahead, near Henry House, Confederate reinforcements were . . . — Map (db m8361) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — 48 — McLean Farm (Yorkshire Plantation) |
| | Part of an early 18th century plantation established on Bull Run by Col. Richard Blackburn formerly of Yorkshire, England, the land was acquired by Wilmer McLean in 1854. The battle which opened 1st Manassas raged across this farm July 18, 1861, with the house and barn used as a headquarters and hospital by Confederate troops. Following 1st Manassas, in an attempt to escape the forefront of the war, McLean moved his family to the tiny village of Appomattox Court House. There, four years later, . . . — Map (db m657) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Meadowville |
| | The depression of the old farm road and the jumbled house foundations before you are all that remain of the plantation "Meadowville". John Cundiff, a bachelor, lived here during the Civil War producing oats, potatoes and hay, on about 350 acres of land. In the aftermath of the savage fighting at the Brawner Farm on the evening of August 28, the house and grounds served as a field hospital for hundreds of wounded Union soldiers. A Union officer who visited the site that night remembered the . . . — Map (db m8470) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Mitchell’s Ford — Confederate Strongpoint |
| | Here on the south bank of Bull Run, Confederate forces constructed log-and-earth trenches to defend Mitchell’s Ford, a strategically important crossing point. On July 17, 1861, as Union Gen. Irvin McDowell’s army approached Centreville, Confederate Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard’s forces withdrew south to defensive positions such as this one along Bull Run. Confederate Gen. Milledge L. Bonham’s brigade guarded the approaches to Mitchell’s Ford and manned the trenches here. The next morning, Union Gen. . . . — Map (db m35051) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — On the Skirmish Line — Second Battle of Manassas — Day Three - August 30, 1862 - 2:30 p.m. |
| | Thirty minutes before the main assault, Colonel Hiram Berdan's 1st U.S. Sharpshooters clambered over the fence along the Groveton-Sudley Road and dashed into the open pasture. The skilled marksmen kept up a steady fire with their breech-loading Sharps rifles, driving back Confederate skirmishers. Their advance provoked an angry fusillade from Jackson's men behind the railroad bed. The sharpshooters sought cover and became pinned down here along the dry creek bed. After the war, a veteran of . . . — Map (db m58853) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — One-Sided Slaughter — Fate of the 5th New York — Second Battle of Manassas - Day Three - August 30, 1862 |
| | The 5th N.Y. Infantry thought they had gotten off easy that day. The trees screened them from Confederate artillery fire, and most of the fighting was a mile off to the right near Deep Cut. Suddenly they heard heavy musket fire up ahead. Terrified Union skirmishers came running out of the woods, followed by a tremendous crashing of brush and leaves - the sound of a large army approaching. Unable to see what was coming, but knowing it was going to be very bad, the 5th New York hurried to form . . . — Map (db m9842) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Opening Shots — "Look Out for Your Left!" — First Battle of Manassas |
| | Confederates were spread out along this ridge - 1100 men commanded by Col. Nathan "Shanks" Evans. At first light, Federals east of Stone Bridge sent a cannon shell screaming overhead. Skirmishers from both sides opened a sporadic musket fire. After two hours Colonel Evans became suspicious; no Federal attack had developed. Then an officer flagged a message from the signal post near Manassas Junction: "Look out for your left! You are turned!" Leaving a small force here to guard the bridge, . . . — Map (db m9741) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Outnumbered — The Stand in Robinson’s Lane — First Battle of Manassas |
| | Shot-up Confederate regiments stumbled past, in retreat from Matthews Hill. First along Warrenton Pike, then in Robinson’s Lane, Col. Wade Hampton’s South Carolinians tried to delay the Union advance. Slowly, with volley after volley of musket fire, the Union wave forced Hampton’s Legion back past Robinson House toward the pine woods. At this point the Confederate Army seems on the brink of defeat. — Map (db m899) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Pittsylvania |
| | The foundation stones in front of you are all that remain of a once grand estate known as Pittsylvania. Landon Carter, Jr., grandson of Robert “King” Carter, built Pittsylvania around 1765. The Georgian-style frame house stood on a prominent knoll, surrounded by gardens, outbuildings, and slave quarters. It enjoyed a commanding view of the entire countryside. By the outbreak of the Civil War, however, Pittsylvania was in serious decline. Financial troubles and division of the . . . — Map (db m62662) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Point-Blank Volley — An Officer’s Error? — First Battle of Manassas |
| | In clear view of artillerymen here, Confederates lined up at the fence and trees across the open field. The two cannon and supporting infantry could have stopped the Rebels cold, yet the four hundred charging Virginians were able to fire a musket volley at such close range that they virtually wiped out the Union gun crews. Congressional inquiries failed to clear up the mystery: how did the Confederates manage to get that close? Though the 33rd Virginia captured these guns, the battle was far . . . — Map (db m881) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Pope's Headquarters — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 29 & 30, 1862 Headquarters, Army of Virginia, USA Pope's Headquarters Headquarters, Army of Virginia, USA 1:00 p.m. August 29 to 6:00 p.m. August 30, 1862 "There were no tents, nothing to mark the spot except a cracker box or two for seats." - Brig. Gen. John Gibbon — Map (db m14511) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Portici |
| | On the ridge ahead of you stood "Portici," an important landmark of both battles of Manassas. In 1861, Frank Lewis resided here with his wife Fannie and two small children. Their middling plantation consisted of 769 acres. The family owned eleven slaves to work the property - cultivating grain, herding livestock, and performing domestic chores. The arrival over war shattered Portici's peaceful existence. During the First Battle of Manassas, the home served as both a headquarters and a . . . — Map (db m59009) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Prince William County World War I Memorial |
| |
Dedicated to the Citizens
of
Prince William County
who lost their lives in
the service of their country in
the the 1917 - World War - 1919
Fewell Athey •
Carrington Bailey •
Maurice Beavers •
John Blackwell •
John C. Blight •
Melvin Cornwell •
Vernard Cornwell •
Hugh Corum •
Archer Crawford •
McKinley Dodd •
Randolph W. Fair •
Wilson D. Garner •
Frank Green •
Harry Hatcher •
Perry Herring •
Champ L. Jones •
M. M. Lake •
G. O. Lynch • . . . — Map (db m21983) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Re-Burying the Dead — Groveton Confederate Cemetery |
| | Of the 266 soldiers buried here, only two are fully identified. • Heavy fire often kept either side from claiming the dead, and after both battles the armies had to maneuver quickly. Some of the wounded lay for days in the blistering sun. • After the fighting, burial details dug shallow, unmarked graves. The process took weeks. Autumn rains soon washed away the thin cover of soil, exposing the remains. In 1866, the United Daughters of the Confederacy established Groveton Cemetery and had these . . . — Map (db m408) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Retreat from Chinn Ridge — First Battle of Manassas |
| | Expecting to outflank the Rebels, Col. Oliver O. Howard's Maine and Vermont regiments reached the top of this rise in two lines of battle. Suddenly the air exploded with shell fragments. A Confederate battery had opened fire from the Chinn House yard. Masses of Confederate infantry came charging out of the woods below. There was no training for this moment, the New Englanders' first time under fire. They managed to get off a few ragged volleys, then the parade-style battle lines began to . . . — Map (db m9830) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Rhode Island Battery — First Battle of Manassas |
| | July 21, 1861 11:00 a.m. 2nd Brigade (Burnside, Second Division (Hunter) Army of Northeastern Virginia, USA Rhode Island Battery Capt. William H. Reynolds Six 13-Pounder James Rifled Guns "'Forward into line of action, front,' came Captain Reynolds' order. I dismounted and ran to my gun, and found that within 20 yards of us were the Rebels, advancing. I thought for a moment our battery was lost, but the 2d Rhode Island Regiment made a fearful charge and gave a most hideous scream, and . . . — Map (db m8354) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Robinson House — First Battle of Manassas |
| | The home of James Robinson—a freed slave—stood here at the time of the battle. That morning hundreds of Confederates streamed through the yard as they retreated from the Union attach. Surprisingly, the property suffered little damage in the first battle, but Union troops sacked the house and fields during Second Manassas. For these damages Congress awarded Robinson $1,249 by Private Act of March 3, 1873. — Map (db m5615) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — CL 2 — Ruffner Public School - Number 1 |
| | July 20, 1872 ————— Named for Wm. H. Ruffner, Virginia’s first superintendent of public instruction, and opened as a public school on this date. Before free public schools were established by the Virginia constitution of 1869, a one room free school was in operation with voluntary gifts. — Map (db m2425) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — C-46 — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | On Henry Hill, Pope’s rear guard, in the late afternoon of August 30, 1862, repulsed the attacks of Longstreet coming from the west. If the hill had been taken, Pope’s army would have been doomed; but the Unionists held it while the rest of their troops retreated across Bull Run on the way to Centreville. — Map (db m605) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | Second Battle of Manassas Confederate Skirmish Line, Afternoon of August 30, 1862As Union forces prepared to attack General Jackson's Confederate line along the unfinished railroad to the north, Union General John F. Reynolds made a personal reconnaissance of the field beyond his skirmishers posted along the Groveton Road (Lewis' Lane (1)). He immediately drew fire from a Confederate skirmish line deployed in this open ground, providing covering fire as General James Longstreet massed his . . . — Map (db m8384) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Second Battle of Manassas — August 28-30, 1862 |
| | (1) Route of Jackson's Turning Movement Lee dispatched Stonewall Jackson on a daring raid to cut Pope's communications before Pope could receive massive reinforcements. Marching nearly 25 miles a day, Jackson burned the supply depot at Manassas, then positioned himself behind an unfinished railroad grade to await the arrival of General Lee with Longstreet's wing. Pope moved to crush Jackson. (2) Second Manassas August 29, 1862 As his units arrived, Pope attacked Jackson. A spirited bayonet . . . — Map (db m17475) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Second Brigade — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 30, 1862 5:15 p.m. Second Division (Ricketts) Third Corps (McDowell) Army of Virginia, USA Second Brigade Brig. Gen. Zealous B. Tower 26th New York - 88th Pennsylvania 94th New York - 90th Pennsylvania "The regiment rushed up on the double quick and the companies deployed as best they could, facing the enemy's line near the Chinn House. Very soon the Confederates advanced in many lines of battle. We at once opened fire on them, checking their advance. But the infantry fire was . . . — Map (db m9791) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Second Brigade — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 30, 1862 3:15 p.m. Jackson's Division (Starke), Left Wing (Jackson) Army of Northern Virginia, CSA Second Brigade Col. Bradley T. Johnson 21st Virginia 48th Virginia 42nd Virginia 1st Virginia Battalion "We were fighting now as I never saw it done, we behind the railroad bank and the cut, which made a splendid breastwork, the enemy crowded in the field, their men falling fast, as we could plainly see." - Pvt. John Worsham 21st Virginia Infantry — Map (db m18306) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Second Bull Run Monument |
| | Like its companion monument on Henry Hill, this obelisk was constructed by Union soldiers at the close of the Civil War. It was dedicated during an elaborate ceremony held on June 10, 1865. — Map (db m886) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Shooting Gallery — S.D. Lee's Artillery — Second Battle of Manassas - Day Three - August 30, 1862 |
| | From here, Confederate gunners had a clear view of Porter's attack - the most formidable onslaught of the three days. There were few trees between S.D. Lee's Battalion and the nearest Union columns a third of a mile away. As thousands of bluecoats swept across the field, Colonel Lee's men jumped to their guns and opened fire. The heavy bombardment, a rain of whizzing shell fragments, kept reinforcements from crossing the field, and helped ensure Union defeat at Deep Cut. When the first group . . . — Map (db m8459) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Shooting Gallery — Second Battle of Manassas — Day Three - August 30, 1862 - 3 p.m. |
| | On the morning of August 30, 1862, Confederate Col. Stephen D. Lee deployed 18 guns from his artillery battalion along this commanding ridge. Additional cannon, under Maj. Lindsey M. Shumaker, unlimbered to his left. The artillery linked the two winds of the Confederate army. In total, as many as 36 guns occupied this ground overlooking the rolling fields of Lucinda Dogan's farm. At 3:00 p.m., Union troops poured out of the Groveton woods to attack Jackson's line along the unfinished railroad. . . . — Map (db m58863) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Short of Total Victory — Second Battle of Manassas - Day Three - August 30, 1862 |
| | Nothing could stop them now: sweeping downhill from Chinn Ridge thousands of Confederates crossed Chinn Branch and began crashing through these woods. Ahead was Sudley Road - the road to the Stone House intersection, and the chance to cut off any Union retreat. At the last minute, regiments of Pennsylvania Reserves and U.S. Regulars came running full-tilt from Henry Hill, and took position along the road cut. From the hill behind them artillery started lobbing shells in this direction; Union . . . — Map (db m8359) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Stone Bridge — Strategic Crossings |
| | From the east side of this stream Union cannon fired the first shots of First Manassas at Confederates on the opposite ridge. The attack was a ruse. Though Stone Bridge offered one of the few easy routes across Bull Run, the main Union columns were circling upstream, hoping to surprise and outflank the Confederates by crossing at Sudley Ford. A year later, at the Second Battle of Manassas, an angry, frustrated Union Army had to retreat back toward Centerville across Stone Bridge. They burned the wooden span behind them. — Map (db m2099) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Stone House – Battlefield Landmark |
| | This building links today’s landscape to the battlefield scene. The roadbeds have not changed; thousands of soldiers noticed the Stone House as they marched through this strategic intersection.
During both battles Federals turned the former tavern into a field hospital. Bloody floorboards were hardly unique—most houses in the area became crowded with wounded men—yet in diary after diary soldiers mentioned this particular structure. The relatively unscarred walls may have . . . — Map (db m846) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Stuart's Hill Walking Trail |
| | The 2 ¼ mile Stuart's Hill loop trail takes you over the ground where General James Longstreet launched a massive Confederate counterattack late on the afternoon of August 30, 1862. After intense fighting on Chinn Ridge and along the Sudley Road, General John Pope's Union army retreated back into the defenses of Washington, D.C. A ¾ mile section of the trail will take you directly to the Brawner Farm battlefield. After the Brawner fight on the evening of August 28, 1862, Rufus King's Union . . . — Map (db m9862) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Sudley Church |
| | People were on their way to worship when thousands of Federal soldiers suddenly appeared marching south on Sudley Road. Within minutes the sound of gunfire came from the direction of Matthews Hill. As wounded men stumbled back behind the lines, Federals turned Sudley Church into a field hospital. Hospital stewards removed the pews and procured hay for bedding. Harried surgeons used the altar for an operating table. Upwards of 300 wounded soldiers received treatment at the church. When the . . . — Map (db m58809) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Texas |
| | Remembers the valor and devotion of her soldiers who participated in the battle of Second Manassas, Virginia - August 28-30, 1862. On this field Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia won the decisive battle of the Northern Virginia Campaign against Union Maj. Gen. John Pope's Army of Virginia. Arriving on the second day, August 29th, Confederate Maj. Gen. James Longstreet's wing took position opposite Pope's left-flank late that afternoon. Brig. Gen. John Bell Hood's Texas . . . — Map (db m58119) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — The Battle Begins |
| | Mid-afternoon on August 28, 1862, Union soldiers from General Rufus King's division rest along Pageland Lane awaiting orders for them to continue marching south seven miles to Manassas Junction. Late afternoon, orders arrived prompting King to return to the Warrenton Turnpike (modern Route 29), and proceed east toward Cenreville. The march resumed to located and defeat the elusive "Stonewall" Jackson who was operating in the Union rear with half the Confederate army. After the head of King's . . . — Map (db m9861) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — The Battle Begins — Second Battle of Manassas — Day One - August 28, 1862 - 6 p.m. |
| | Late on the afternoon of August 28, Brig. Gen. Rufus King's division proceeded east towards Centreville. They marched in search of the elusive "Stonewall" Jackson, who was operating behind Union lines with half the Confederate army. As the head of the column passed the village of Groveton, Confederate artillery emerged from the woods and fired upon the unsuspecting Federals. Union troops turned to fight a fierce twilight battle near the Brawner Farm that began the three day battle of Second . . . — Map (db m58797) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — The Battlefield In 1862 — Command and Communications at Lee's Headquarters - Signaling At Stuart's Hill — Stuart's Hill Kiosk |
| | (Left Panel): The Battlefield in 1862 At the time of the Civil War, the area of the Battlefield was largely agricultural. Fields and pastures alternated with woods, while modest farmsteads and middling plantations dotted the landscape. This rural community became the backdrop for dramatic events in 1862. Key terrain features influenced the decisions of commanders. Roads and narrow lanes became important corridors for military movement, while the open and gently rolling hills . . . — Map (db m9865) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — The Ben Lomond Manor House — Civil War Graffiti |
| | The Ben Lomond Manor House was built in 1837 by Benjamin Tasker Chinn and served as the principal structure on 1,739 acres of land. Prosperous farmers before the war, the Chinns watched their fortunes decrease due to the proximity of the estate to the site of the First and Second Battles of Manassas. As the Civil War battles drew nearer to the home, the Chinns fled and left it vacant for several years. Markings on the walls of the Manor House indicate that the vacated building was occupied by . . . — Map (db m2477) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — The Defense of Dogan Ridge |
| | On the afternoon of August 30, 1862, the rolling fields of John Dogan’s farm, “Rosefield,” formed a crucial defensive position for General John Pope’s Union Army of Virginia. As General James Longstreet’s Confederate attack swept onto Chinn Ridge, Union commanders here attempted to stave off impending disaster. Northern artillerists, commanding more than 40 guns along the ridge, dueled with Southern gunners near Groveton and delayed Longstreet’s advance south of the Warrenton Turnpike. — Map (db m14175) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — The Fight for Rickett’s Guns — First Battle of Manassas |
| | Shells were exploding overhead as Ricketts’ men dueled Stonewall Jackson’s artillery, directly across the field. Sharpshooters’ bullets thumped into the wooden limber chests. On the rear slope horses were screaming, dying. Suddenly from the far woods came an eerie, blood-chilling cry—the rebel yell. Through dense smoke, Ricketts could see Confederate infantry starting across the field. Up to that moment the Confederates appeared to be loosing the battle, and possibly the war. Here the . . . — Map (db m897) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — The Grave of Our Dear Mother, Judith Henry |
| | Killed near this spot by the explosion of shells in her dwelling during the Battle of the 21st of July, 1861. When killed she was in her 85th year and confined to her bed by the infirmities of age.
Her husband Dr. Isaac Henry was a Surgeon in the United States Navy on board the frigate Constellation, Commanded by Com. Truxton, one of the six Captains appointed by Washington in the organization of the Navy, 1794.
Our Mother through her long life, thirty five years of which were spent at . . . — Map (db m610) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — The Rock Fight — Second Battle of Manassas — Day Three, August 30, 1862 |
| | Yankees were pinned down on the far side of the embankment, only ten yards away. After twenty minutes of continuous shooting, Confederates here were running out of ammunition. Frantically, they searched their dead and wounded comrades for cartridges. Others pried stones from the railroad grade and hurled them down on the enemy. Already shell-shocked, some bewildered Federals threw the stones right back.
The rock fight lasted only a minute. Reinforcements arrived and drove off the Federals. . . . — Map (db m903) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — The Seventy-First Regiment — of Infantry New York State Militia — Colonel Henry P. Martin Commanding |
| | From this position the 71st assisted in driving the Confederate forces back toward Henry Hill. The regiment remained in this area for most of the battle and afterward covered the retreat of the Union Army from the field. The unit suffered 10 killed, 40 wounded and 12 missing. — Map (db m8124) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — The Unfinished Railroad — Attacks on Jackson’s Line — Second Battle of Manassas, Day Two, August 29, 1862 |
| | From the woods ahead came the sound of many men approaching. Out of a fog of musket smoke the enemy appeared, charging with fixed bayonets straight at this position.
You are standing behind the Unfinished Railroad, Confederate General Stonewall Jackson’s main line of resistance. One the long afternoon of August 29, wave after wave of Federal regiments assaulted this position, their dead and wounded piling up on the forward slope of the embankment. For the Confederates, the worst moment came . . . — Map (db m659) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — The Unfinished Railroad |
| | Stonewall Jackson set up his defensive line along a two mile section of these cuts and fills, which were originally grading for the Independent Line of the Manassas Gap Railroad. The railroad, begun in the 1850’s, ran out of money after the roadbed had been built from Gainsville, 5 miles to the west, to Alexandria, 25 miles to the east. The coming of the war stopped whatever plans had been made to complete it. No track was ever laid over the grade. — Map (db m663) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — The Union Fifth Corps at Dawkins Branch |
| | On the morning of August 29, 1862, the Union Fifth Corps, nearly 10,000 troops under Major General Fitz John Porter, advanced from Manassas Junction along this road under orders from Major General John Pope to march towards Gainesville and cut off the presumed escape of Stonewall Jackson's forces. Upon reaching Dawkins Branch about 11:30 a.m., Porter's column met Confederate resistance. Dust clouds to the west, generated by Confederate cavalry, gave the impression of a large enemy column. As . . . — Map (db m58298) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — The Wisconsin Company — 1st Regiment of Berdan's U.S. Sharpshooters |
| | The Wisconsin Company 1st Regiment of Berdan's U.S. Sharpshooters used many cartridges on this spot, August 30, 1862. Losing 1 man killed and 8 wounded position marked by Geo. E. Albee, a private of the company — Map (db m20395) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Third Brigade — Second Battle of Manassas |
| | August 30, 1862 5:30 p.m. Second Division (Ricketts) Third Corps (McDowell) Army of Virginia, USA Third Brigade Col. John W. Stiles 12th Massachusetts - 83rd New York 13th Massachusetts - 11th Pennsylvania "Our boys dropped like tenpins before an expert player. Ten feet to my left the tall sergeant of Company F sank down in a heap, shot squarely through the head. Franks went down with a bullet through the face. Stevens was swearing like mad, shot through the thigh. A man I did not . . . — Map (db m9807) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Thomas Jonathan Jackson |
| | (Front Face): Thomas Jonathan Jackson 1824 1863
(Right Face): First Battle of Manassas July 21, 1861. (Left Face): There Stands Jackson Like a Stonewall (Rear Face): ** Erected by ** The State of Virginia Under Act of 1938 Governors George C. Peery James H. Price Sponsors John W. Rust Henry T. Wickham Aubrey G. Weaver — Map (db m541) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — U.S. Infantry Battalion — First Battle of Manassas |
| | July 21, 1861 11:00 a.m. 1st Brigade (Porter), Second Division (Hunter) Army of Northeastern Virginia, USA U.S. Infantry Battalion Maj. George Sykes "As soon as we were formed, we commenced firing, and the rebels did not like the taste of our long range rifles. Our men fired badly; they were excited, and some of the recruits fired at the stars. There was some confusion, but we formed line of battle and marched across the field in splendid order. We went through some woods, which were . . . — Map (db m9735) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Unfinished Railroad |
| | During the 1850s, two local railroads - the Orange & Alexandria and the Manassas Gap - met at Manassas Junction. In order to reach commercial markets near Washington, the Manassas Gap Railroad signed an agreement with its rival to use its tracks from the junction to the port of Alexandria. The annual cost of track rental cut into profits, however, and officials sought an alternate route. The Manassas Gap decided to lay its own track from Gainesville to Alexandria. Work on the "Independent . . . — Map (db m58900) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Various Sections of Virginia Artillery — First Battle of Manassas |
| | July 21, 1861 2:00 p.m. Army of the Potomac (Beauregard) and Army of the Shenandoah (Johnston), CSA Loudoun Artillery Capt. Arthur L. Rogers Wise Artillery Capt. Ephraim G. Alburtis Rockbridge Artillery Capt. William N. Pendleton Staunton Artillery Capt. John D. Imboden Thomas Artillery Capt. Philip B. Stanard "The ground occupied by our guns was an open space just at the eastern verge of the plateau. Here thirteen pieces, mostly 6-pounders, were maintained in action alternating . . . — Map (db m8302) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Vision of Victory — Second Battle of Manassas - Day Two - August 29, 1862 |
| | As Pope saw it, the battle was almost won. Stonewall Jackson was the only foe he faced here, and Jackson was retreating after the fight at Brawner Farm. Now the Federals could crush the outnumbered Rebels. Tactical realities were a bit different. Instead of "retreating," Jackson's troops had taken position along the ditches and high embankments of the Unfinished Railroad. By noon on the 29th, Maj. Gen. James Longstreet and 28,000 men - the rest of the Confederate Army - had marched from . . . — Map (db m8468) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Wade Hampton |
| | of South Carolina was wounded here on July 21, 1861. Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run) — Map (db m8233) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Wartime Manassas — “Fortifications of Immense Strength” |
| | During the Civil War, two railroads—the Manassas Gap and the Orange and Alexandria—intersected here. Manassas Junction was strategically important to both the Union and the Confederacy as a supply depot and for military transportation. Two of the war’s great battles were fought nearby. Diaries, letters, and newspaper articles documented the war’s effects on civilians as well as the thousand of soldiers who passed through the junction.
Early in May 1861, Col. Philip St. George . . . — Map (db m2463) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Washington (Louisiana) Artillery Battalion — First Battle of Manassas |
| | July 21, 1861 2:00 p.m. Army of the Potomac (Beauregard), CSA Washington (Louisiana) Artillery Battalion Maj. John B. Walton Three 6-pounder Smoothbores Two 6-pounder Rifled Guns. “We advanced by hand to the front until finally the battery was upon the crown of the hill, entirely exposed to the view of their artillery and infantry. At this moment their fire fell like hail around us. Notwithstanding, my guns were as rapidly and beautifully served by the cannoneers, with as much . . . — Map (db m805) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Wilmer McLean after the Civil War |
| | After nearly four years at Appomattox Court House, Wilmer McLean and his family returned to Prince William County in 1867. McLean still owned the 985-acre Yorkshire Plantation and lived there, but wartime devastation and the end of slavery brought hardships. Once part of the landed gentry, he was heavily in debt and nearly destitute. McLean became a real estate agent and then an excise collector with the Revenue Service in Manassas. Like his attorney friend, former Confederate cavalry officer . . . — Map (db m40074) HM |
| Virginia (Prince William County), Manassas — Wilmer McLean’s Yorkshire — From Front Lawn to Front Parlor |
| | Yorkshire, the home of Wilmer McLean, once stood near here. McLean acquired the property through his wife’s family in 1854. Located near two major fords on Bull Run, McLean’s plantation became the scene of one of the Civil War’s earliest actions. On July 18, 1861, Confederate Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard moved his headquarters to the McLean house as the nearby Battle of Blackburn’s Ford erupted. McLean’s barn served as a Confederate field hospital, and the farm was under constant Federal artillery . . . — Map (db m3940) HM |
Subscribe
— Privacy Policy
— Terms of Use
— About Us
— Contact Us
HMdb.org