Manassas National Battlefield Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Manassas National Battlefield Park |
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Period fence at Manassas Battlefield
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 Manassas National Battlefield Park
Location in Virginia
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Prince William County, Virginia |
| Nearest city | Gainesville, Virginia |
| Area | 5,073 acres (20.53 km2) |
| Established | May 10, 1940 |
| Visitors | 715,622 (in 2005) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Manassas National Battlefield Park |
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Manassas National Battlefield Park
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| NRHP reference No. | 66000039 |
| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
Manassas National Battlefield Park is a special place in Prince William County, Virginia. It protects the land where two big battles of the American Civil War happened. These battles were the First Battle of Bull Run (also called First Manassas) and the Second Battle of Bull Run (or Second Manassas).
This park is also famous because Confederate General Thomas J. Jackson got his famous nickname "Stonewall" here. The park was created in 1940 to remember these important events. Over 700,000 people visit the battlefield every year.
The Henry Hill Visitor Center is a great place to start your visit. It has cool exhibits about the First Battle of Bull Run. You can see Civil War uniforms, weapons, and even an electronic map showing how the battle unfolded. There's also a film called "Manassas: End of Innocence" and a bookstore.
A Recent Discovery
In 2014, something amazing was found at the park. Bone pieces led to the discovery of two Union soldiers' skeletons. They were found in what experts believe was a "Surgeon's Pit." This pit also contained bones from other body parts.
Scientists used carbon dating to figure out that these soldiers died during the Second Battle of Manassas in August 1862. In June 2018, their remains were moved. The National Park Service gave them to the United States Army. The soldiers were then buried with honor at Arlington National Cemetery.
Exploring Historic Sites at Manassas
Manassas National Battlefield Park has many important spots. Each one tells a part of the story of the Civil War battles fought here.
The Stone House
The Stone House was used as a hospital during both battles. It's located near Sudley Road and Lee Highway. Imagine soldiers being cared for inside this very building.
Stone Bridge
The Stone Bridge was a key escape route. Union soldiers retreated across this bridge after the Second Battle of Bull Run. It crosses just north of Lee Highway.
Brawner's Farm
Brawner's Farm was where the Second Battle of Manassas began. Today, it has a museum focused on this battle. You can find the parking lot off Pageland Lane.
Battery Heights
At Battery Heights, Confederate cannons were set up. They fired at Union troops attacking Brawner's Farm. This spot is off Lee Highway.
Matthews Hill
Matthews Hill was where the First Battle of Manassas started. It's located off Sudley Road. This area saw some of the earliest fighting.
The Unfinished Railroad Grade
The Unfinished Railroad Grade was a key defensive line. General Jackson placed his men here before the second battle. This was after they captured General Pope's supply depot. It's off Featherbed Lane.
The Deep Cut
The Deep Cut is where General Pope launched his main attacks against the Railroad Grade. It's also off Featherbed Lane, before you reach the Railroad Grade.
Groveton Village
Groveton was a small village during the Civil War. All that remains today is a house where Lucinda Dogan lived. A Confederate Cemetery is also nearby. Both are off Lee Highway.
New York Monuments
You can find two monuments dedicated to the 5th and 10th New York Regiments. The 5th New York Zouaves lost 123 men in just 5 minutes here. These monuments are off Lee Highway, near Young's Branch.
Hazel Plain
Hazel Plain was once the Chinn family's plantation. Now, only the foundation remains. It's directly across from the Henry Hill Visitors Center.
Chinn Ridge
Chinn Ridge is across from Hazel Plain. General James Longstreet led a huge counterattack here during the second battle. A trail leads to a boulder honoring Union Colonel Fletcher Webster. He was the son of famous speaker Daniel Webster and died trying to stop the Confederate attack.
Portici Plantation
Portici was the plantation of Francis Lewis. It's now in ruins. This served as the Confederate Headquarters during the first battle. Small fights between companies happened on the plains around it.
Robinson House
The Robinson House belonged to James Robinson, a free Black man. It was sadly destroyed by fire in 1993. You can find its ruins on the Henry Hill Loop Trail, which is for walking only.
Stonewall Jackson Monument
A bronze monument stands on Henry Hill to honor General Thomas J. Jackson. This is where he earned his famous nickname "Stonewall."
Images for kids
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View of the battlefield.
