Next round of Sesquicentennial of the Civil War events Sept. 24-25

Local government and travel industry officials have been saying all along that Sesquicentennial of the Civil War events will take place over the next four years until the official conclusion on April 9, 2015, the 150th anniversary of Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Courthouse in April 1865.

After the reenactment of First Manassas in July and many elated events July 21-24, the scene shifts to eastern Prince William County. The next significant date is the Blockade of the Potomac which occurred in September of 1861 which kept supplies from reaching Federal forces in Washington. Events will be held on Sept. 24-25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following locations:

• Leesylvania State Park, 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22191, 703-583-6904.
• Weems Botts Museum, 3944 Cameron Street, Dumfries, VA 22026, 703-221-3346.
• Williams Ordinary, 17674 Main Street Dumfries, VA 22026, 703-792-4754.

Join living historians as they camp at Freestone Point, the preserved site of the Confederate Gun Battery during the Blockade of the Potomac. Discover the story of the Battery and see artillery demonstration, camp life, and learn about the lives of soldiers and the women and children left behind.

Living History events are planned for the Town of Dumfries as well. Various Confederate units, including the 10th Alabama Volunteer Infantry Reg. reenactors group from Fredericksburg, will have an encampment in Merchant Park with demonstrations of a solder’s life there. Authentic camp life demonstrations, drills, cooking, entertainment and general living conditions will be exhibited.

A headquarters camp will be set up at Williams Ordinary in which a Confederate officer and his staff will explain the blockade situation.

August 2012 will mark the 150th Anniversary of The Second Battle of Manassas.  Manassas National Battlefield Park as well as the other historic sites in the region will commemorate this important battle in American history. To plan your trip, go to http://www.manassasbullrun.com or call Discover Prince William & Manassas at 703-396-7130 or 800-432-1792.

For a complete list of planned activities in Prince William County and Manassas, VA call 888-721-1861 or, go to manassasbullrun.com, for the Manassas Battlefield Park http://www.nps.gov/mana and for the Commonwealth of Virginia events, go to:  http://www.virginiacivilwar.org  .