Continuing my road trip visits, We headed to the Manassas Battlefield Museum in Manassas Virginia. The museum covers both the first and second Battle of Manassas (aka Bull Run). We had most of a day to cover what we could (the battlefield is huge), so decided to focus on the first battle of Manassas and the driving tour. I also wanted to see the railroad and deep cut portions of second Manassas, as I had heard they had cleared some of the trees that had overgrown the area since the Civil War.
We got to the museum at opening time and were immediately able to join a tour that was being given by the Park Service of the first battle. It took about an hour and concentrated on the main fighting around Henry House. There was a nice narrative and some fun little known facts.
After the tour, the museum’s film on the two battles started, so we sat in on that. The film was actually rather impressive (if you like history). It was almost forty five minutes long (I have never seen such a long museum movie)! It covered both fights, with a little more focus on the first battle. Production value was very good and it clearly was more interested in going through the history, without getting lost with contemporary considerations.
We then went through the museum itself. It is very small and has a few artifacts and attractions. I particularly like dat interactive narrative map that shows the movement of troops during the battle. This really gives a great visual overview of the fight. It is only five minutes, so an easy watch.
We then went out and walked some of the battlefield spots within shouting distance of the main building. It was interesting to see the site lines at each phase of the battle and the locations of key events.
Next, we did the driving tour to see the various historical points. There are ten in total. Some are just historical buildings and structures. Most have walking loop areas to get a better view. Each loop is about a mile and a half. Most connect to one another, it you want to do that much walking, but you would a number of days to do that. We hit each for a Quick Look.
When we got to the marker for the deep cut, we did the loop walk. While there were not that many trees, the area is covered in bushes (and new trees starting to grow). As such, we were mostly locked onto the walking trail. The trail was somewhat overgrown in some areas (my buddy was sure we were lost), but it you keep following the pathway, you will be find. We were able to get the the second 1865 created monument at the halfway point.
Unfortunately, the area does have a bit of a tick problem (the overgrown areas do not help). We did a check when we got back to the car, and we both had picked up our share of new friends. So, a lot of ficking was had by the both of us! Fortunately, there were no additional hangers on when I got home and did a more detail personal inspection….
Even with the down side of the last stop, it was a nice visit and it was nice to see the location again after twenty years. It is a very important battlefield location, so kind of a much visit. Just be aware to do your anti tick prep and check!
- Manteuffel