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

The Unfinished Railroad

Attacks on Jackson’s Line

— Second Battle of Manassas, Day Two, August 29, 1862 —

"The Unfinished Railroad" Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 10, 2006

1. "The Unfinished Railroad" Marker

Inscription. 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 when Union Brig. Gen. Cuvier Grover’s troops broke through the line.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Manassas Gap Railroad series list.

Location. 38° 49.581′ N, 77° 32.89′ W. Marker is near Manassas, Virginia, in Prince William County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Featherbed Lane (Groveton-Sudley Road) and General Trimbles Lane (a private road). Featherbed Lane runs from Lee Highway (U.S. Route 29) and Sudley Road (State Route 234). Marker is about a mile from either intersection. 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 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Charge Bayonets! (within shouting distance

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of this marker); a different marker also named The Unfinished Railroad (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Archer’s Brigade (about 300 feet away); Second Brigade (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Unfinished Railroad (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manassas.

More about this marker. There is a small parking lot at the trail head here.

Regarding The Unfinished Railroad. The “Unfinished Railroad” was the Independent Line of the Manassas Gap Railroad. The Independent Line was to run from Gainesville to Alexandria, allowing the railroad direct access to Alexandria, bypassing the interchange charges with the Orange and Alexandria Railroad at Manassas Junction. The line was graded and bridge abutments built, but rails were never laid.

Additional keywords. Gen. Philip Kearny

Close Up of Map on Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 10, 2006

2. Close Up of Map on Marker

Unfinished Railroad Loop Trail. The one mile trail follows the cuts and high banks of the historic railroad grade. An exhibit on the other side depicts Grover's bayonet charge from the Union perspective. On troop location makers, Union and Confederate soldiers describe the bloody ordeal in their own words.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 10, 2006

3. "The Unfinished Railroad" Marker

February 26, 2011

4. The Unfinished Railroad Marker

View of railroad cut after tree and brush clearing work.

Unfinished Railroad Loop Trail image. Click for full size.

February 27, 2011

5. Unfinished Railroad Loop Trail

Typical view along the Unfinished Railroad Loop Trail - as seen here a few sections of the trail are along the top of the existing remains of the railroad bed.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,145 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 1, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 4. submitted on February 26, 2011. 5. submitted on February 27, 2011.