National Park stamps
Also known as the Battle of Bull Run
The visitor's center was nice, though not very accommodating to people with disabilities. There was an informative museum, gift shop, and 45 minute film. We learned much. I left Mom in the gift shop, while I explored the grounds (Henry Hill) a bit. Afterwards, we drove to a few places. I'd like to go back to do the whole driving tour. Maybe, take Ty with me.
Henry House (built after war, c. 1870)
The Henry House on Henry Hill was the epicenter of battle in the first battle of Manassas. Refusing to leave her bed, an 85-year old invalid woman (Judith Henry) became the first civilian casualty of the Civil War. Her grave site is in front of the house. The original 1812 dwelling was destroyed in the war. A new structure was built on its foundation in 1870. It served as the park's initial visitor's center.
First Civil War monument
The First Battle of Manassas (Bull Run) was the first major (land) battle of the American Civil War. It was fought on July 21, 1861, just months after the start of the war at Fort Sumter. Troops on both sides were naïve and poorly trained and led. Their uniforms were all different colors. While people traveled from Washington DC to watch the war (from about 5 miles away), expecting a Union victory, it was after this battle that both sides realized that the war was going to be longer and bloodier than anyone thought. The human cost ended up being more than anyone could have imagined: 1.5 million casualties.
Henry Hill
Where he fell
The stone house survived the Civil War and was restored to its war-time appearance in the 1960s. During the first and second battles of Manassas, the house provided combat cover and shelter and served as an aid station and field hospital. It was built somewhere around 1848 as a tavern for wagoneers and travelers.
Stone House, c. ~1848
Casualties were significantly higher in the Second Battle of Manassas. It was a decisive victory for the Confederates and cleared the way for Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North. Of course, we all know how that turned out. Union victories at Antietam and Gettysburg changed the trajectory of the war.
One of three monuments to New York troops
The Stone Bridge is one of several historical landmarks on the Manassas National Battlefield. Originally built in 1825, it was a critical crossing point and escape route during both the first and second battles. It was destroyed in 1862 and rebuilt in 1884.
Stone Bridge (c. 1825, rebuilt 1884) over Bull Run
The Sons of Confederate Veterans established Manassas Battlefield as a Confederate Park in 1924. Their purpose was to glorify the Confederacy. They turned the land over to the National Park Service in 1936 on the stipulation that the state of Virginia be allowed to erect a monument to Confederate General "Stonewall" Jackson. Jackson earned his famous nickname at the first Battle of Manassas, as his brigade made a firm stand against Union forces. The statue is considered to be historically and physically inaccurate.
The war over memory
Like a Stone Wall
This was the first southern battlefield I've visited. There are many more battlefields in Virginia to explore. Approximately 43 percent of all Civil War battles were fought in Virginia, due to its proximity to Richmond.