I stopped in Manassas National Battlefield Park on the way from Hampton to Washington DC. I arrived around noon and saw the exhibits at the visitor center then joined a Ranger walk for the Henry Hill battle site. This was the site of the major battle during First Manassas/First Bull Run, July 1861.

After that walk I went over to Chinn Ridge for a second Ranger walk. This was the site of a major offensive during Second Manassas/Second Bull Run in August 1862. I heard about Longstreet’s troops moving up through the woods to attack the Union troops that were stretched thin trying to protect Henry Hill.

I returned several days later from Washington to see more of the park. I went back to the Henry Hill Visitor Center, seeing the 45 minute video about both battles.

I used the app to follow the Henry Hill Walking tour after the visitor center. It’s a 1.1 mile trail starting at the visitor center, going to to the Henry House, the Confederate Lines and the placement of the Union howitzers on their left flank.

I did the Second Manassas driving Tour, starting at Brawner Farm Interpretative Center (closed for season) to Battery Heights, the Stone House that served as a field hospital during both battles. The next stop was Matthews Hill and I hiked the Matthews Hill Loop Trail where the First Manassas battle opened. There are great views of the area here.  I continued to Sudley, the Unfinished Railroad and Deep Cut.

General Pope ordered an attack on Stonewall Jackson’s position at the Deep Cut; 8000 Federals tried to move up the hill. Their assault was repulsed with heavy losses. I saw the New York Monuments, then skipped Chinn Ridge and the Visitor Center stops to see Portici, the plantation house that served as the Confederate HQ and also a hospital. I did the short Portici Loop Trail before ending up at the Stone Bridge for a quick stop. The bridge was originally built in 1825, and blown up by the CSA in 1862 to keep Union forces from crossing the river. The bridge was rebuilt in 1884, and acquired by the NPS as part of the park in 1959.

Before the first battle, both the North and South thought the war would be over after one battle. Being so close to both capitals, Richmond and Washington, DC, many civilians went out to the area to watch the battle.

Despite the Union losing that first major battle of the Civil War, both sides realized the war would not be won easily.

** All photos property of Lisa, not to be copied or reproduced **