Manassas National Battlefield Park in Prince William County, Virginia, preserves the ground where two major Civil War engagements were fought in 1861 and 1862. The First Battle of Bull Run, fought on July 21, 1861, was the first large-scale land battle of the Civil War and shattered Northern expectations of a brief, decisive conflict. The Second Battle of Manassas, fought August 28–30, 1862, resulted in a decisive Confederate victory that enabled General Lee's first invasion of the North, culminating in the Battle of Antietam in September 1862. The First Battle of Bull Run drew civilian spectators from Washington who traveled by carriage to watch what many expected to be a Union victory. Confederate forces, initially pushed back, regrouped around the position held by General Thomas Jackson on Henry Hill—where Jackson earned his Stonewall nickname from Confederate General Barnard Bee before Bee was mortally wounded. The Union flank collapsed in the afternoon, producing a rout that sent soldiers and spectators fleeing back toward Washington. Henry Hill, where the most intense combat of both battles occurred, is the park's interpretive core. The Henry House, home of 85-year-old widow Judith Henry who died during the battle when artillery fire struck her home, has been reconstructed on its original foundation. The Stone House, one of the few surviving pre-war structures on the battlefield, served as a field hospital during both battles and is interpreted in that role. The park spans approximately 5,000 acres across two battlefield units—First Manassas and Second Manassas—connected by a short drive. The Second Manassas unit preserves the unfinished railroad grade where Jackson's corps sheltered before the opening attacks on August 28, 1862, and Brawner's Farm, site of a fierce engagement that opened the three-day battle.
Why it matters
Manassas National Battlefield Park preserves the ground where the First Battle of Bull Run (July 21, 1861) ended Union assumptions of a brief war, and the Second Battle of Manassas (August 28–30, 1862) produced a decisive Confederate victory enabling Lee's first invasion of the North; together the two engagements mark a turning point in Northern public understanding of the war's scale and duration.
Location
6511 Sudley Rd, Manassas, VA 20109
38.8115, -77.5214 View on map
Highlights
- Walk Henry Hill to the reconstructed Henry House and the artillery positions that decided the outcome of the First Battle of Bull Run
- Tour the Stone House, which survived both battles and served as a Union field hospital for the wounded of each engagement
- Drive the unfinished railroad grade on the Second Manassas unit where Jackson's corps sheltered before attacking on August 28, 1862
- Visit Brawner's Farm, site of the fierce engagement that opened the Second Battle of Manassas on August 28, 1862
- Watch the battlefield orientation film at the Stuart Hill Visitor Center before exploring the Second Manassas unit
Tips for visiting
- The two battlefield units—First and Second Manassas—are separated by a short drive; the Stuart Hill Visitor Center for Second Manassas is on U.S. Route 29
- The Henry Hill walking tour is the park's most accessible and historically dense area; allow at least 90 minutes
- Morning weekday visits avoid the bus tour groups that typically arrive at midday during summer months
- The Brawner's Farm site on the Second Manassas unit operates on a limited seasonal schedule; confirm hours at the Visitor Center
- Licensed battlefield guides for private interpretive tours can be arranged through the park for a more in-depth experience
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the First and Second Battle of Manassas?
The First Battle of Bull Run (July 21, 1861) was the opening major land battle of the Civil War and resulted in a Confederate victory that ended Northern expectations of a brief conflict. The Second Battle of Manassas (August 28–30, 1862) was a larger, three-day engagement that decisively routed Union forces and enabled Lee's first invasion of the North.
How long does a visit to Manassas National Battlefield take?
A thorough visit to both battlefield units—First Manassas with Henry Hill and Second Manassas with the railroad grade and Brawner's Farm—requires three to four hours. A focused Henry Hill visit takes approximately 90 minutes to two hours.
Is Manassas National Battlefield accessible for visitors with mobility limitations?
The Henry Hill Visitor Center and most of its immediate grounds are accessible. The Henry Hill walking trail has gravel and uneven sections; a driving tour of the battlefield allows access to most key sites without extended walking.