Manassas
National Battlefield Park

For more detailed information visit our Page

"There stands Jackson like a stonewall"

The American Civil War's Battles of First and Second Manassas (also called Bull Run) were fought here July 21, 1861 and August 28-30, 1862. The 1861 battle was the first test of Northern and Southern military prowess. Here Confederate Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson acquired his nickname "Stonewall."


VISITATION:
Highest between Memorial Day and Labor Day, lowest in January and February.

LOCATION:
Prince William Co., and Fairfax Co., Virginia. 25 miles west of Washington DC.

ADDRESS:
Manassas National Battlefield Park
12521 Lee Highway,
Manassas, Virginia 20109-2005 (please note we have a new zip code)

TELEPHONE:
(Headquarters) (703) 754-1861 Please dial carefully.

(Visitor Center) (703) 361-1339

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
Park open Sunrise to Sunset. Visitor Center open, 8:30am to 5:00pm. Closed Thanksgiving and December 25.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
Summers generally hot and humid, Winters generally cold with variable precipitation. Most of the park consists of open fields and subject to gusty winds. Recommend layers of clothing in cool months and good walking shoes.

DIRECTIONS:
The Visitor Center is located 25 miles west of Washington DC, north of the Manassas exit number 47 on Interstate 66.

TRANSPORTATION:
There is no public transportation to the park.

FEES, COSTS RATES:
$2.00 per person (under 17 free) good for 3 days. An annual park pass is available for $15.00. Golden Age, Golden Access and Golden Eagle Passes honored.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center & Museum
Exhibits focus on the two battles at Manassas, and soldier life during the Civil War.
Information, Sales Desk, in the Visitor Center
Rangers on duty can provide information on points of interest and special activities in the park, as well as answer questions and provide basic research regarding the battles. A wide variety of books, maps, and other materials pertaining to the Civil War are available for sale through Eastern National.
Ranger Conducted Programs
Guided tours and other programs are scheduled on a regular basis during the summer season and on the weekends during the remainder of the year (weather permitting). For a schedule of special events visit our EVENTS PAGE.
Historic Stone House
A former tavern used as a temporary field hospital by Union forces during both battles, the house has been restored to its 1860s appearance and is furnished to reflect the pre-civil war era. Open daily during the summer months and on weekends in the spring and fall.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES / PARK USE:
Orientation Slide Program
A 13 minute orientation slide program is shown in the Visitor Center on the hour and half-hour. It provides a general introduction to the Civil War and the fighting at First and Second Manassas, largely from the perspective of the soldiers themselves. Suitable for all age groups. Captioned for the hearing impaired.
Battle Map Program
A 5 minute audio visual program outlining the troop movements at First and Second Manassas is shown repeatedly throughout the day in the Visitor Center Map Room.
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Henry Hill
A one mile trail over Henry Hill, oriented on the First Battle of Manassas, begins at the Visitor Center and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. Interpretive markers, audio stations and artillery positions are found along the way. The tour is designed to be completed easily without maps or guides.
Self Guided Driving Tour of Second Manassas Battlefield
Maps and brochures are available at the Visitor Center for a 12 mile driving tour, which covers the important sites associated with the Second Battle of Manassas. The tour takes approximately 90 minutes. At each of the 12 stops along the tour, interpretive markers unfold the story of the battle. For more detail, a 2 1/2 hour audio tape tour of the battle is also available for purchase at the Visitor Center.
Battlefield Hiking Trails
Extended trails are available for an in-depth examination of both the First and Second Manassas battlefields. The Stone Bridge Trail is a 5.5 mile route which visits the key sites associated with the First Bull Run campaign, including the Stone Bridge, Matthew's Hill, Stone House and Henry Hill. The Deep Cut Trail covers the second battle in 6.5 miles, with stops at the Stone House, Unfinished Railroad, Deep Cut and Chinn Ridge. Both trails begin and end at the Visitor Center, where a trail folder is also available. For scouts and other groups, a trail booklet and patch are available for successful completion of the Stone Bridge Trail and accompanying questions.

RESERVATIONS / PERMITS:
Reservations for school and other large groups should be made at least 3 weeks in advance. Call (703) 361-0426. For other special use permits call (703) 754-1861.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
At least 2 hours should be allowed to view the slide show, map program and walk the First Battle walking tour. At least 4 hours should be allowed to do a full tour of the park but an entire day can be spent hiking trails and visiting the various historic sites within the park.

SPECIAL EVENTS / PROGRAMS:
Visit our EVENTS PAGE or call the Visitor Center for current information. (703) 361-1339

VISITOR IMPACTS:
The park is open every day of the year, except for Christmas.

NEARBY VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
note these jump points will take you away from Manassas and to those parks
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Write
Manassas National Battlefield Park,
12521 Lee Highway
Manassas Virginia 20109-2005 (please note we have a new zip code)

or call the Visitor Center at (703) 361-1339

www.nps.gov/mana/index.htm  Last update Thursday, 26-Aug-99 14:57:42  Frank Harrell