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The city of Manassa, Virginia is full of rich history, dating back to the early founding of the country. It was the site of battles and presidential meetings, as well as an area that was at the heart of agriculture in the New World. If you are looking to plan a day trip to see some of the amazing historic sites in the area, make sure to include the three places below on your upcoming itinerary.
Manassa National Battlefield
The Battle of First Manassas, or First Bull Run, was the spot where the Civil War hit a turning point. The battle, fought bravely in 1861, was part of the campaign to successfully capture Richmond to turn the tides on the war. Troops of 90-day volunteers, led by Union General McDowell, faced 22,000 Southern troops commanded by General Pierre Beauregard.
The long and hard-fought battle is now commemorated in a 5,000-acre battlefield park that features a statute of Virginia Considerate General Stonewall Jackson mounted atop his horse. The area is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic and learn a little more about Civil War history.
Mayfield Civil War Fort
An 11-acre complex, sitting between the Buchall and Russia branch tributaries along the Occoquan River, is an area reserved for the Mayfield Civil War Fort. The area is open from dawn to dusk with free admission.
You can explore the area with a self-guided tour that provides you with a background of the history of the area. There are eight Civil War interpretive markers, including the remainder of the fort used during the Civil War, the standing foundation of the Hooe mansion, and replica Quaker guns that were left by Confederates. There are numerous events throughout the year to commemorate some of the most famous Civil War battles.
Liberia Plantation
Liberia Plantation was built in 1825 by Harriett and William Wier. The plantation is over 1,600 acres and was known as the Lower Bull Run tract. The house is now known by the name Liberia but is referred to by locals as the “Brick House.” It was one of the largest and most successful plantations in the county.
During the Civil War, the area was pushed into service by the Confederate, who use it as the headquarters for General Beauregard. It has also been widely reported to be a makeshift hospital and “death house” for many troops in the aftermath of the Battle of First Manassas. The home was also the site of a meeting between Abraham Lincoln and his generals.
The family stayed at the house until 1862 when the Union forces took it over to become the headquarters of General Irvin McDowell. They returned to the farm at the end of the war but were unable to return it to what it once was. Today it is one of the most significant standing structures of the Civil War remaining in the Manassas area.
Enjoy the rich history of the city of Manassas area by checking out one or more of the famous historic sites listed above.
Image by Jon Cornwell is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0
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