Manassas in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Van Pelt House

Manassas National Battlefield Park

Photographed By Shane Oliver, March 28, 2016

1. The Van Pelt House Marker

Inscription. A Native of New Jersey, Abraham Van Pelt arrived in Prince William County in the 1850s. The 70-year-old Van Pelt, accompanied by his wife Jemima and daughter Elizabeth, settled on a 230-acre farm they called "Avon." The farm's location, astride the Warrenton Turnpike and overlooking Bull Run, drew the attention of both armies during the Civil War. Confederate troops deployed here during First Manassas to guard the Stone Bridge.

Thirteen months later during Second Manassas, Union soldiers commandeered the house and outbuildings for hospital use. Throughout it all, the Van Pelts remained staunch Unionists in their adopted home, in stark contrast to many of their neighbors. Facing repeated Confederate harassment, Abraham and Jemima returned to New Jersey, while their daughter remained behind to manage the farm.

(caption)
Following the war, Elizabeth Van Pelt filed a claim for damages to the estate of her father, who died in 1866. The government awarded the family $320. Fire destroyed the house in the early 1930s.

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.

Location. 38° 49.468′ N, 77° 30.705′

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W. Marker is in Manassas, Virginia, in Prince William County. Marker can be reached from Lee Highway (Virginia Route 29) 1.1 miles east of Sudley Road (Route 234), on the left when traveling east. Located along a park walking trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Manassas VA 20109, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Opening Shots (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Opening Shots (about 600 feet away); 4th South Carolina Infantry (about 600 feet away); Farm Ford (approx. ¼ mile away); Union Retreat (approx. half a mile away); Strategic Crossing (approx. half a mile away); Stone Bridge (approx. half a mile away); Outnumbered: The Stand in Robinson Lane (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manassas.

Also see . . . Manassas National Battlefield Park. National Park Service (Submitted on February 21, 2017.)

The Van Pelt House Marker and Foundation image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Shane Oliver, March 28, 2016

2. The Van Pelt House Marker and Foundation

Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2017. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2017, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 693 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 18, 2017, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.