Manassas Battlefield

The first major battle of the American Civil War was fought on July 21, 1861, near Manassas, Virginia.  Thinking this would be only a skirmish and a quick end to the talk of an actual war, many people who lived in the area brought picnic lunches and observed the fighting from surrounding hills. While the Union troops showed strength and progress early in the fighting, the Confederate forces stood their ground and gained strength from reinforcements.  Victory at First Manassas (or First Bull Run) belonged to the South, and it became evident that the Civil War was real and not quickly or easily resolved.

On our drive from Lexington, Virginia, to Annapolis, Maryland, we stopped to stretch our legs and see the site of the Battles of Manassas. The battlefield today is a quiet, beautiful place just outside the busy town of Manassas.  

The Henry family farm, site of the First Battle of Manassas

Home of 85 year old Judith Henry who refused to
leave when the battle began on her farm.

Grave of Judith Henry, the only civilian casualty of this battle.
She was killed when caught in the crossfire of the battle.

Confederate Battle Line

Monument to Confederate General (and VMI graduate) Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson
"There stands Jackson like a stone wall."

Monument to those who died during First Manassas