This amphitheater offers visitors and students a starting point for their tour of the Julie J. Metz Wetland bank. The primitive nature of this seating area provides a gathering place for groups visiting the Wetland bank, without disturbing the . . . — — Map (db m233913) HM
Trail Details
Leesylvania State Park lies on a small peninsula on the Potomac, rich with American history. This moderate hike loops through fascinating historical ground, including the Fairfax and Lee family homesteads. The easy-to-follow . . . — — Map (db m233925) HM
Located along the Potomac River between Nebasco and Powells creeks and extending inland to include lands west of U.S. Route 1, this vast tract was patented in 1658 by Gervais Dodson. Henry Lee II (1729-1787) inherited the acreage upon his father’s . . . — — Map (db m237295) HM
This 508-acre park was donated to the Commonwealth in 1978 by Daniel K. Ludwig and was opened on June 17, 1989. The park, whose name means “Lee’s Woods,” is the ancestral home of the famous Lee family of Virginia. The land, which was patented in . . . — — Map (db m233906) HM
This mill wheel was donated by Jesse Baldwin and Lewis Wilkins to Leesylvania State Park. It was originally found in Neabsco Creek west of the Interstate 95 bridge. It most likely came from the Taylor Family Foundry and Mill operations (1730-1830) . . . — — Map (db m233920) HM
Situated along the nearby Neabsco Creek, the Neabsco Iron Works began operation by 1737. Directed by John Tayloe of Richmond County and succeeding family members, the ironworks evolved into a multifaceted antebellum industrial plantation, which . . . — — Map (db m233915) HM
Wealthy planter John Tayloe founded Neabsco Ironworks near here in 1747. Within five years, Neabsco was producing 600 tons of pig iron yearly, dominating a 9,000-acre tract of land bounded by the Occoquan and Potomac Rivers. In pre-revolutionary . . . — — Map (db m233914) HM
These two bioretention cells, completed by volunteers in June 2005, are designed to filter run-off from the parking lot, thereby decreasing the pollution entering the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. The drawing below shows how a bioretention cell . . . — — Map (db m233918)
Efforts began in 1864, but it wasn’t until July 2, 1872, with the aid of the Pennsylvania Railroad, that this section of rail line opened for service. The crossing at Powell’s Creek was 1,100 feet in length and constructed of heavy timber supplied . . . — — Map (db m233909) HM
Seasonal Encampments for river fishing were set up at this place the Native Americans called Yosocomico, meaning “within the enclosure”. These temporary villages were situated on the shoreline at good fishing spots that the Indians returned to year . . . — — Map (db m233917) HM
(panel 1)
Swimming in Bounty
When John Smith and his crew reached the Potomac River in July 1608, they were amazed by the abundance of fish, having seen “neither better fish, more plenty, nor more variety” anywhere.
Virginia . . . — — Map (db m233923) HM
The Freestone Fisheries played an important role in Leesylvania’s past. Their successful operation, given the plentiful numbers of fish in the Potomac, provided a significant income to the successive proprietors of the Leesylvania estate. The Lee . . . — — Map (db m233921) HM
The Freestone Point Hunt Club was established in 1926 by a group of businessmen from New York. The large waterfowl populations found along the Potomac, and the proximity of the railroad made Freestone Point both attractive and accessible to hunters . . . — — Map (db m233927) HM
The Lee and Fairfax Family Cemetery is located on this ridge top overlooking the Occoquan Bay. The Lees established the cemetery with the death of Henry Lee II on August 15, 1787. His wife Lucy Lee, the only other member of the Lee family to be . . . — — Map (db m237354) HM
This is the burial site of Henry Lee (d. 1787) and his wife Lucy Grymes (d. 1792). They were married in 1753, and their home, Leesylvania, stood on the ridge to the east. Henry Lee was County Lieutenant and Presiding Justice of Prince William County . . . — — Map (db m233908) HM
(left panel)During the War of 1812 the young United States was embroiled in conflict with Great Britain. From 1812 to 1815 Americans fought to protect their rights and economic independence. They faced superior enemy forces . . . — — Map (db m233911) HM
(Panel 1)
During the War of 1812 the young United States was embroiled in conflict with Great Britain. From 1812 to 1815 Americans fought to protect their rights and economic independence. They faced superior enemy forces on the . . . — — Map (db m237353) HM
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! . . . — — Map (db m8304) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m58858) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m658) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m9836) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m18310) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m18360) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m39316) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m40535) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m18359) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m18317) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m9734) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m40532) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m9737) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m40525) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m40553) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m9730) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m9740) HM
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, . . . — — Map (db m9839) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m40530) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m9733) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m9788) HM
Veterans of the 7th Georgia Infantry selected Manassas Battlefield as the site of their annual reunion in 1905. During their visit the group erected seven marble markers to denote the different positions occupied by the regiment at both battles. . . . — — Map (db m155246) HM
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. . . . — — Map (db m195161) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m18314) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m9731) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m62052) HM
In Prince William County, 102 African American men served in the Army during World War I. Most Black soldiers were spread across a variety of supply and engineering units that included farriers, truck drivers, and laborers that built bridges, . . . — — Map (db m214266) HM
General Irvin McDowell felt confident that victory was at hand. The Federal flanking column had marched around and behind the Confederate defenses along Bull Run. Nearly 18,000 troops were at, or en route, to the front. Confederate resistance on . . . — — Map (db m240374) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m194385) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m840) HM
Stonewall Jackson's defensive line extended nearly two miles - from Sudley Church to the Brawner Farm. Many of his 24,000 troops were posted behind the cuts and fills of the unfinished railroad grade before you. The formidable position enabled . . . — — Map (db m88517) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m9660) HM
After Departing their position near the Stone Bridge, Confederate troops under Colonel Nathan Evans deployed on this ground to intercept the enemy flanking column advancing southward on the Sudley Road. Knowing they were outnumbered, their only hope . . . — — Map (db m101452) HM
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
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, . . . — — Map (db m14082) HM
A tavern originally known as Florance's Ordinary was established in this vicinity and operated by Joseph Florance in 1773 on land originally granted to John Florance in 1725. By 1786 it became known as Gaines' Tavern, being operated by William . . . — — Map (db m168451) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m14174) HM
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 m108460) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m62819) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m59008) HM
These open fields and low hills make ideal 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. . . . — — Map (db m202995) HM
General John Pope arrived on the battlefield at 1 p.m. on August 29, 1862, with every expectation of defeating Stonewall Jackson. The Union commander directed General Fitz John Porter's Fifth Corps to march towards Gainesille, anticipating a move . . . — — Map (db m221614) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m895) HM
The massive Confederate counterattack appeared unstoppable. General James Longstreet’s wing of the army – upwards of 28,000 troops – steadily pushed east toward Henry Hill. If the Confederates occupied that plateau, ironically the same . . . — — Map (db m88714) HM
A Battle For Time During the late afternoon of August 30, 1862, Union defenders staged a desperate battle against overwhelming numbers of Confederates. While the battle raged along Chinn Ridge, Union Maj. Gen. John Pope organized a new . . . — — Map (db m221622) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m231305) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m58861) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m9757) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m59007) HM
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. . . . — — Map (db m8206) HM
Many Confederates felt they had lost the battle - perhaps the war. At that moment Generals Johnston and P.G.T Beauregard arrived on Henry Hill and began to rally the scattered regiments. The fugitives started to reform behind fresh reinforcements . . . — — Map (db m101441) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m896) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m20962) HM
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., . . . — — Map (db m9828) HM
Colonel Fletcher Webster fell mortally wounded near here, leading his regiment in support of the cannon on Chinn Ridge. The colonel, son of the famous orator and statesman Daniel Webster, commanded the 12th Massachusetts Infantry - a regiment he . . . — — Map (db m171536) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m18361) HM
By day's end the Confederates held Henry Hill, capturing eight of the eleven Union cannon brought atop this plateau. Rebel reinforcements extended the battle lines across Sudley Road to neighboring Chinn Ridge (one-half mile ahead of you). Federal . . . — — Map (db m89201) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m9806) HM
As the Ohioans strived to delay the Confederates, Federal reinforcements rushed to Chinn Ridge in support. With these troops came the 5th Battery, Maine Light Artillery, under the temporary command of Lt. William F. Twitchell. The five guns . . . — — Map (db m94600) HM
John d. Dogan, a fifty-six-year-old farmer in 1860, owned nearly $21,000 of personal property and real estate, making him one of the more affluent residents of antebellum Prince William County. A former store and tavern owner at the Groveton . . . — — Map (db m213660) HM
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 m155286) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m8402) HM
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
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 . . . — — Map (db m63040) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m9855) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m15919) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m9749) HM
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, . . . — — Map (db m778) HM
Colonel Nathaniel McLean braced his men for the coming onslaught. The Union officer, a civilian attorney with no prewar military background, commanded 1,200 Ohioans on Chinn Ridge. The ground directly in front of his brigade was open at the time of . . . — — Map (db m171888) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m9759) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m873) HM
Up the slope marched Federal troops, determined to retake the cannons lost moments earlier. The bodies of slain artillerists and infantrymen littered the landscape. The Yankees recaptured Griffin's two guns and attempted to drag the two pieces to . . . — — Map (db m89145) HM
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
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 . . . — — Map (db m602) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m18300) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m58975) HM
The First Battle of Manassas started on Matthews Hill — the prominent rise one-half mile ahead of you. Thousands of Federals were swiftly advancing in this direction. Confederate Capt. John Imboden rushed four cannon into position near here to try . . . — — Map (db m240377) HM
