The American Civil War is rooted into the history of Prince William, Virginia. Due to its strategic location outside Washington, D.C. – two of the largest Civil War battles throughout the conflict took place here – the First and Second battles of Manassas (or Bull Run) in 1861 and 1862. 

Another conflict included the Bristow Campaign of which occurred in 1863. First Confederate and then, Union military forces occupied the county for the entire war during the period of 1861 – 1965. With such a storied history, there are a plentitude of attractions that demonstrate how the Civil War shaped American History.

Begin your journey at the Manassas National Battlefield Park, the site of the First and Second Battles of Manassas, or as the North would say, Battles of Bull Run. Visitors should then consider other stops including Ben Lomond Historic Site, a preserved Civil War house that was turned into an emergency room after the first battle.