Bristoe Station heritage Park’s management plan due for review

A day in the park is sometimes all it takes to inject a sense of rebirth and rejuvenation into the soul. Maybe a history lesson or two can offer new appreciation and respect for the area’s roots.

Whether it’s an opportunity to soak-in the beauty of nature, or to gain a fresh insight into local history, Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park offers both.

A public meeting was held at the Old Manassas Courthouse several months ago to review the General Management Plan for Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park in Bristow.

The plan offers an historical account of the property, its natural resources and provides a written structure to manage the park. The purpose of the meeting was to inform citizens and allow a time for public comment.

As it stands now, the Board of County Supervisors is likely to vote on whether to approve the plan in August, according to Rob Orrison, site manager at Bristoe Station (and site manager of Ben Lomond Historic Site in Manassas. Orrison said there have been some revisions to the plan in light of comments made at the June hearing.

Orrison noted, “We [county’s historic preservation division] already follow professional practices on managing the park; but this plan puts those practices down on paper and will hold future staff to those practices. The General Management Plan inventories what is already there in terms of resources, buildings, wildlife, soil, etc.”

Brendon Hanafin, Prince William County’s historic preservation division chief led the presentation about how the county manages the 133-acre property, which includes over 2.7 miles of walking and equestrian trails teeming with wildlife, woods and ponds.
Traces of the people who occupied this space include historic roadbeds, structures and cemeteries. The Virginia State Department of Historic Resources (DHR) holds an easement over the entire park property, which requires any major enhancements, disturbances or park uses to first be approved by the DHR.

The Prince William County Historic Division hosts programs at the park throughout the year including historic battlefield tours and nature programs. Hanafin said, “We try to manage our properties holistically and one of our objectives is to preserve and interpret the history of the park.”

Some of that history includes the Battle of Kettle Run fought on Aug. 27, 1862 when Confederate General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson’s troops raided Federal supplies at Manassas Junction. It was the precursor to the Aug.28-30, 1862 Second Battle of Manassas, which resulted in a Confederate victory.

A year later on Oct. 14, 1863, the Battle of Bristoe Station broke out-this time-the north was the victor. Following this defeat, Confederate General Robert E. Lee said, “Bury these poor men and let us say no more about it.” But with the help of Prince William’s preservation division, people are still talking about that battle.

Part of the “talk” includes brochures that include two self-guided walking trails and maps available at a kiosk at the park’s entrance. Other historical material, including downloadable maps, brochures, etc., is available through the county website and other Civil War websites. County plans include the creation of interpretative signs that will allow for images and maps to further enhance the visitor’s experience. The use of new social media is planned; future projects include cell phone tours.

A goal of the county’s historic preservation division is to integrate Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park into a statewide network with other Civil War heritage sites.

Through cooperative efforts with the U.S. National Park Service (specifically Manassas National Battlefield Park) and programs through the multi-state Civil War Trails, Bristoe can become another important chapter of the Civil War story in Prince William County and in the state as a whole.

Hanafin showed planning maps including different “zones,” such as the cultural resource protection zone (CRPZ) and the natural resource protection zone (NRPZ). Interpretive Use Areas include the park trail network and the Rambler House (red brick house), cultural demonstrations, interpretive and education areas. Hanafin said, “The [Rambler] house may become a visitor center.”

Other plans include the planting of native trees this spring. “Some will be in the wetlands area near the pond and on top of the hill,” Hanafin explained. Meadows will be maintained to protect the natural resources and to allow for interpretation. Some maintenance practices include mowing, establishing native grasses and removing invasive plant species. Also, a cemetery on the property will be marked this summer with proper signage.

The park’s property was sold to Centex Homes in 2003 to develop New Bristow Village housing community. Centex gave the battlefield parcel to the Civil War Trust, formerly known as the Civil War Preservation Trust). In 2005, the county acquired the 133-acre site.

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park opened to the public in 2007 and is an example of how developers, residents, local government and preservationists can come together to preserve historic sites.

Jim Burgess, museum specialist at the Manassas National Battlefield Park, attended the meeting representing the county’s Historical Commission; he also helped draft the history portion of the management plan. He interjected additional battle facts and answered some questions from attendees. He said, “The entire park, which is north of the railroad tracks, includes all Confederate territory. But the land across from the park was all northern territory.

This property that was occupied by the north includes 160 acres. Forty-two acres of that land will be proffered to the county when a new business park is developed.

Claire Rollins of Bristow attended the meeting with other family members. She said, “In 2003 I sold the land to Centex Homes who built New Bristow Village.” She expressed concerns about different uses of the park and hopes it is a nice, inviting place for the community. “It would be nice to allow fishing at the pond; that would be good for the neighborhood,” Rollins added.

Because Prince William is one of the richest areas regarding Civil War history, through marketing, tours and programs, Bristoe Station is a destination for heritage tourists and educational groups. With the recognition of the Civil War Sesquicentennial (150th anniversary), the plan to integrate with other Civil War sites will be a key focus of the park.

To learn more about Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park or volunteering, call the Prince William County Historic Preservation Division at 703-792-4754 or visit http://www.pwcgov.org The p.ark is located a short distance off VA 28 at 10708 Bristow Road in Bristow. Public parking is located at Iron Brigade Unit Avenue and 10th Alabama Way. Call 703-366-3049.