Manassas National Battlefield Park - Virginia

Address:12521 Lee Highway
Manassas, Virginia
Tel: (703) 361-1339

Visit the site of two major American Civil War battles! The Manassas National Battlefield Park is the location of clashes between the armies of the Union and Confederacy, and where General Thomas J. Jackson was given his famous name, "Stonewall."

The First and Second Battles of Manassas (or Bull Run, as they are more commonly called) happened right here at the site of this National Battlefield Park. Visitors in the area can learn all the details at the Henry Hill Visitor Center, where a museum, a 45 minute film and a 6 minute battle map program tell the stories of the men who fought in the historic Civil War battles. Hike the hills or choose from a number of self-guided walking tours that highlight Henry Hill, Stone Bridge, and the other key areas of the two battles, coverable in about 2 hours. From June to September, rangers provide excellent half hour guided tours of the area; other times, the battlegrounds are open for self-guided walking tours, which should take visitors about an hour and cover about a mile. If you're a hiker, there's a navigable network of trails that provide a lot more battle detail around the 5,000 acre park. There's also an equestrian statue here of Stonewall Jackson, Confederate war hero, engraved with the words: "There stands Jackson, like a stone wall." There are also lines of cannons and other artillery, as well as the homestead that was caught in the crossfire. The visitor's center tops it off with a couple of unique exhibits, including an fascinating display on how Confederate soldiers were outfitted in mismatched uniforms.

To get to the Manassas National Battlefield Park, take I-66 to exit 47B/Route 234 North (Sudley Road). Just up ahead on your right you'll see the entrance to the Henry Hill Visitors Center, just past the Northern Virginia Community College. Take advantage of all the features this historical battlefield as to offer. Whether you take the guided tours or just wander around on your own, you'll learn a lot about one of the critical Civil War battles—and you'll have a great time, too!