Commemorate the 156th Anniversary of the Second Battle of Manassas (Bull Run) through a variety of events being held August 24th - 26th in Prince William & Manassas, VA.
Manassas Battlefield Park
The 156th Anniversary of the Second Battle of Manassas (Bull Run) will be commemorated at Manassas National Battlefield Park. The event starts Friday, August 24th with a tour detailing the opening engagement of the battle and leads up to the final climactic struggle on the slopes of Henry Hill Sunday, August 26th. Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy a variety of historian led walking tours, living history demonstrations, camp life, and weapons firing. Park entrance, tours and demonstrations are all free to the public.
Friday, August 24, 2018
7:00 p.m. Brawner Farm - The Battle Begins
Join a park historian for a guided walking tour tracing the opposing battle lines at the opening engagement of the Second Battle of Manassas.
Saturday, August 25, 2018
10:00 a.m. Tour: Standoff at the Railroad
This walking tour focusing on the morning fighting near Sudley Church along the railroad grade on August 29.
1:00 p.m. Tour: Breakthrough at the Railroad
Join a park historian for a walking tour covering the afternoon attacks on the Confederate line along the Unfinished Railroad, detailing the brief success of Cuvier Grover's brigade in breaking through the Confederate front.
4:00 p.m. Tour: Battling for the Rocky Knoll
This program details the desperate struggle along and behind the Unfinished Railroad during the late afternoon of August 29.
7:00 p.m. Tour: Twilight Clash
Join park staff for a tour focused on the twilight clash that occurred on the evening of August 29, 1862, near the hamlet of Groveton.
Sunday, August 26, 2018
11 a.m. Tour: Slaughter at Deep Cut
This walking tour covers the largest Union assault during the battle, the afternoon attack of Fitz John Porter's troops at the Deep Cut on August 30.
2:00 p.m. Tour: Counterattack at Chinn Ridge
A guided walking tour covering the massive Confederate counterattack and the desperate struggle on Chinn Ridge and along Sudley Road.
5:00 p.m. Tour: Final Struggle for Sudley Road
Join a park historian for a walking tour focused on the climatic struggle along Sudley Road and the western slopes of Henry Hill that occurred at dusk on August 30, 1862.
7:00 p.m. Special Lecture: Unprecedented Discovery
Superintendent Brandon Bies will speak about the recent discovery at the battlefield of the remains of two Civil War soldiers and a surgeon's pit.
Visit Manassas Battlefield Park for additional information and schedules.
Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park
The 156th Anniversary of the Battle of Bull Run Bridge, "Stonewall" Jackson's capture of Bristoe Station and the Battle of Kettle Run will be commemorated at Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park. The events start Saturday, August 25th with a Battle of Bull Run Bridge car caravan tour detailing the opening rounds of what would become the Second Battle of Manassas and leads up to "Stonewall" Jackson's capture of Bristoe Station and the Battle of Kettle Run
Saturday, August 25, 2018
8:00 a.m. Car Caravan Tour: Battle of Bul Run Bridge
Specialized in-time walking tour of the Battle of Bull Run Bridge that will make this forgotten battle come to life in vivid detail. This battle was the first Federal attempt to drive Stonewall Jackson away from Manassas. Stops include Manassas Junction, Liberia House, Mayfield Fort, Connor House and more. Cost: $20 per vehicle
1:00 p.m. Tour: Battle of Kettle Run
Join park staff and volunteers for a specialized in-time walking tours of Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's capture of Bristoe Station and the Battle of Kettle Run – the opening round of what would become the Second Battle of Manassas. Cost: $5 suggested donation
Sunday, August 26, 2018
1:00 p.m. Tour: Battle of Kettle Run
Join park staff and volunteers for a specialized in-time walking tours of Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's capture of Bristoe Station and the Battle of Kettle Run – the opening round of what would become the Second Battle of Manassas. Cost: $5 suggested donation
Visit Prince William County Historic Preservation for additional information and schedules.
Also being held nearby is Manassas History Weekend. This event will honor the service of veterans from past and present, focus on this region’s wartime and peacetime military history, and include activities for all interests and ages. The event begins Friday evening with a tour of the Manassas Cemetery focusing on veterans who have been laid to rest there and culminates with a presentation on the recent discovery of two Civil War soldiers at the Manassas National Battlefield.
Friday, August 24, 2018
8:00 p.m. Tour: Manassas Cemetery
A guided tour focusing on veterans who have been laid to rest at the cemetery.
8:00 - 11:00 p.m. Music & Dance: Harris Pavilion
Civil War-era music and dance for all ages.
Saturday, August 25, 2018
10:00 a.m. Author: Garrett Peck
Discussion regarding his book, The Great War in America: World War I and Its Aftermath
11:00 a.m. Author: Marc Leepson
Discussion regarding Saving Monticello
Noon Historian: Ken Weiler
Discussion regarding the World War II war-time homefront
1:00 p.m. Author: Richard Quest
Discussion regarding his work, Return from Shan Gri La, a WWII rescue story
2:00 p.m. Honor Guard and Opening Ceremony
Meet veterans of World War II, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam and more recent campaigns
6:00 p.m. Bourbon Tasting
Visitors 21 and older can sample bourbon.
* Children's activities, artillery firings and museum artifacts displays will be on the Manassas Museum lawn throughout the day
Sunday, August 26, 2018
2:00 p.m. Special Talk: Manassas Battlefield Discovery
Manassas National Battlefield Park Superintendent Brandon Bies will speak about the recent discovery at the National Battlefield of the remains of two Civil War soldiers and a battlefield surgeon’s pit.
* Children's activities, artillery firings and museum artifacts displays will be on the Manassas Museum lawn throughout the day
The historic 1825 Liberia House, once headquarters for both Confederate and Union forces, will be open both Saturday and Sunday.
Visit manassascity.org/historyweekend for more information and schedules.
Experience Prince William's rich history by extending your trip into a weekend getaway. Book a room at one of our affordable hotels and inns.
