| What is it? |
Manassas National Battlefield Park was the site of two critical battles of the American Civil War, both bringing surprising Confederate victories! |
| What makes it beautiful? |
It’s hauntingly beautiful to set foot on a battlefield as the early morning sun struggles to push through the thick mist! The golden grass sways gently in the breeze, and the dew-covered spider webs bob like jeweled nets in the morning light! This is especially true on Henry Hill, where the cannons are still lined up, and monuments to fallen soldiers stand out eerily in the fog, where one expects to see shadowy ghosts materializing from the whiteness! It’s no wonder that, in the Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run), civilians from the North brought picnic lunches to watch what they assumed to be a silly skirmish. I wouldn’t have minded bringing a picnic lunch myself if it weren’t so spooky!
What is most beautiful here is the mourning stillness for those who perished in the two major battles fought across these hills. The Confederate victories at both battles of Manassas still teach a valuable lesson to us all: never underestimate your opponent! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? |
HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? |
The visitor center is located at the following address:
6511 Sudley Road
Manassas, VA 20109
From Appomattox: ~154mi (248km) — 2.6hrs
From Arlington: ~26mi (42km) — 0.5hrs
From Norfolk: ~189mi (305km) — 3.2hrs
From Richmond: ~110mi (178km) — 1.9hrs |
| When should I go? |
The park is open every day from dawn until dusk, and the visitor centers are normally open from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM! I would suggest visiting in the late summer or fall when the weather is warm and you can experience the battlefield in the mist! |
