Sesquicentennial events at MNBP

July was a hot place in Prince William County. Not just because of the typical Washington weather, but because of the scores of activities planned to commemorate the sesquicentennial, or 150th anniversary, of the 1861-1865 Civil War.

On July 21, 1861, when the First Battle of Manassas broke out, it was a typical, humid summer day. Those first shots that morning were fired by Union soldiers under the command of 2nd Lt. Peter Hains. To be exact, Jim Burgess, museum specialist at the Manassas National Battlefield Park explained, “It was three shots made in rapid succession by a 30-pound Parrott rifle. The time was 6:15 a.m. The location of the shots came from current-day [U.S.] 29…. toward Prince William County, now part of the Manassas National Battlefield Park.”

Locally, many commemorative events are scheduled for July 21-24. Events include living history programs, battlefield tours, speakers, art exhibits, a military parade, a ball, concerts and military demonstrations.
Ann Marie Maher, executive director at Discover Prince William & Manassas, said, “The 150th anniversary of the Battle of First Manassas/Bull Run offers a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for residents to connect personally with our local history and heritage.”

The Manassas National Battlefield Park (MNBP) was the land where 60,680 total forces engaged in the Battle of First Manassas (of those 2,950 Union and 1,750 Confederate died), according to MNBP’s Hank Elliott.
This year, on July 21 at 9:30 a.m., the First Manassas Commemorative Ceremony will open on the stage near the Henry Hill Visitor Center at Manassas National Battlefield Park. This free event at the park requires an advance ticket; all other park programs are open with regular park admission. This ceremony is hosted by the National Park Service and the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission.