Manassas National Battlefield Park marks 152nd anniversary of 2nd Battle of Manassas Aug. 29-31

Manassas National Battlefield Park will host a series of special programs marking the 152nd anniversary of the Second Battle of Manassas, beginning on the evening of Friday, August 29, and continuing through Sunday, August 31.  The public is invited to participate in these events and programs, which will be held at various locations throughout the park.

Park historians will offer guided tours covering key phases of the Second Battle of Manassas.  Each tour will last approximately 90 minutes to two hours.  The series of tours will begin at 7:00 p.m. on August 29, with a tour of the Brawner Farm, the site of the opening engagement of the battle.  The tour schedule resumes on August 30, with guided walking tours highlighting the defense of Stonewall Jackson’s position along the Unfinished Railroad at 10:00 a.m.; Cuvier Grover’s assault on the Unfinished Railroad at 2:00 p.m., and the Union attack near Sudley Church at 4:00 p.m.  The final day of tours on August 31 includes a car caravan tour at 10:00 a.m., exploring the suffering and struggles of soldiers and civilians following the battle.  The caravan tour will begin at the Stone Bridge and will visit two historic buildings.  During the afternoon tours will cover the climactic action of the battle, with tours covering the attack at the Deep Cut at 1:00 p.m., Longstreet’s counterattack at 3:00 p.m., and the final struggle for Henry Hill at 5:00 p.m. 

Throughout Saturday, August 30, and Sunday, August 31, living history demonstrations at the Brawner Farm will provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about the experiences of the soldiers who fought at Second Manassas.  Historic weapons demonstrations, representing infantry and artillery, will be offered on both weekend days, beginning at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, and 2:00 p.m.

On Saturday, August 30, at 5:00 p.m., researcher Pam Smith will present a talk, “Blacks at Bull Run,” in the Visitor Center auditorium.  The talk will describe the experience of African Americans during the events surrounding the First and Second Battles of Manassas, placing the battles in the context of the struggle to obtain freedom from slavery.

The park entrance fee ($3.00 per adult, age 16 and older) covers admission to the battlefield for three days.  There are no additional fees for anniversary events.  For more information, visit the park website at http://www.nps.gov/mana or Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/manassasbattlefield or co,ntact the Visitor Center at 703-361-1339.