Near Manassas in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Judith Henry
The Grave of Our Dear Mother
Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 10, 2006
1. Judith Henry's Grave Marker
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 this place, was greatly loved and esteemed for her kind, gentle and Christian spirit.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Notable Events • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is July 21, 1861.
Location. 38° 48.892′ N, 77° 31.381′ W. Marker is near Manassas, Virginia, in Prince William County. Marker can be reached from Sudley Road (Virginia Route 234) 0.4 miles south of Lee Highway (U.S. 29), on the right when traveling north. Gravesite can be reached on foot from the Manassas National Battlefield Park’s Visitors Center. 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 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Colonel Cameron (here, next to this marker); Invaded Farmland (a few steps from this marker); Wade Hampton
this page online
Regarding Judith Henry. Mrs. Judith Carter Henry, owner of the Henry House when the Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run) started, was the first civilian casualty of the Civil War. Bedridden and infirm, she refused to be moved from her house when the battle began. She was killed when Captain James Rickett's guns were turned on the house in an attempt to stop Confederate sharpshooters located in the house.
Her husband, Dr. Isaac Henry, had died five years earlier.
Also see . . . The Civil War’s First Civilian Casualty Was an Elderly Widow From Virginia
Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 10, 2006
2. Small Cemetery In Front of the Henry House
This gravestone is in the center.
via NCpedia, 1861
3. Ruins of Judith Henry's house after the First Battle of Bull Run
NCpedia website entry
Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 10, 2006
4. Henry House
The graveyard is out of frame to the left. The Henry Hill Monument (see Honoring the Dead marker) can be seen on the right.
Photographed By Roger Furr, July 21, 2011
5. Henry Hill Monument
Located behind the Henry House honoring the men who died there.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 10, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 5,352 times since then and 144 times this year. Last updated on October 13, 2006, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. It was the Marker of the Week July 18, 2021. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 10, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3. submitted on August 22, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 4. submitted on October 10, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 5. submitted on July 26, 2011, by Roger Furr of Alexis, Nc, Usa.
