Special programs at Manassas Nat’l Battlefield to mark Second Battle of Manassas Aug. 28-30

Manassas National Battlefield Park will host a series of special programs marking the 153rd anniversary of the Second Battle of Manassas, beginning on the evening of Friday, August 28, and continuing through Sunday, August 30.  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, fought on Aug. 28-30, 1862.  Each tour will last approximately 60-90 minutes.  The tour series will begin at 7 p.m. on Aug, 28, with a tour of the Brawner Farm, the site of the opening engagement of the battle.  The schedule resumes on Aug. 29, with guided walking tours highlighting the defense of Stonewall Jackson’s position along the Unfinished Railroad at 10 a.m.; Cuvier Grover’s assault on the Unfinished Railroad at 2 p.m., and the Union attack near Sudley Church at 4 p.m.  The final day of tours on Aug. 30 includes tours covering the attack at the Deep Cut at 11 a.m., Longstreet’s counterattack at 3 p.m., and the final struggle for Henry Hill at 5 p.m. 

On Saturday, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m., park staff will offer an evening program at the historic Stone House,  focusing on the efforts to aid the wounded there and the impact of the battle on local inhabitants.  Following the presentation, the house will be opened to the public, offering visitors a rare opportunity to tour the building at dusk.

Throughout Saturday, Aug. 29, and Sunday, Aug. 30, living history demonstrations at the Brawner Farm Interpretive Center 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 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The park entrance fee ($3 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, go to http://www.nps.gov/mana or Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/manassasbattlefield or ca,ll the Visitor Center at 703-361-1339.

The Visitor Center is located at 6511 Sudley Road (VA Rte. 234), three-quarters of a mile north of Interstate 66 and adjacent to the NOVA campus.