Living history, tours and more to mark 150th anniversary of Bristoe Station battle

A milestone anniversary, its 150th, is on the horizon for the important 1863 Civil War battle of Bristoe Station, and Bristoe Station Battlefield Park will welcome visitors for the commemoration.

The park which encompasses 133 acres is located just off Iron Brigade Unit Ave. in Bristow, a short way down VA 619 off VA 28 south of Manassas. Catch the shuttle bus Oct. 12-13.

On Oct. 5, there will be a full-day, in-depth tour of sites and battlefields that made up the Bristoe Campaign, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Stops include Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, Auburn, James City, Slate Mills and Griffinsburg.  Historians will explain how this important campaign affected soldiers and civilians and its overall impact on the outcome of the Civil War.  Call 703-366-3049 for details and reservations.

Oct.12-13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. has been designated the Battle of Bristoe Station‘s150th Commemorative Weekend with visit by Virginia History Mobile (Saturday). Park officials ask visitors to park at the Bristow Shopping Center and take the convenient shuttle bus to the battlefield.

The park will offer living history demonstrations from living historians representing units that were at the battle in 1863.  Tours will be offered on the hour with historical talks, musical performances and a youth tent throughout the day.

The Virginia Civil War 150th History Mobile will be open to the public on Saturday.  This unique traveling exhibit is a great way to understand the impact of the war and helps portray the role of Virginia in the historic battles.

Oct. 14 (Monday, Columbus Day holiday for some) will be the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Bristoe Station Commemoration.                                                             

Join Bristoe Station Battlefield Park staff on Oct. 14 for exclusive tours of the battlefield as well as sites outside of the Park. Tours will take place “in historic time” of the events in 1863.  Tours include: Car caravan tour of sites outside of the Park, Prelude to Battle Walking Tour, In the Footsteps of North Carolina Walking Tour and a Musical Tribute to the fallen at Bristoe Station.

Contact the park for tour times and details. Program is free, donations encouraged. Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, The parking lot is located off of Iron Brigade Unit Ave., Bristow, VA 20136. Call 703- 366-3049.