Civil War Weekend - Manassas

Continuing our Civil War Summer, 

the kids and I drove to Manassas, VA this morning,

which happened to be the anniversary 

of the second Battle of Bull Run.

Our first stop was at Stone Bridge,

which was an important crossing point during the war.

It was blown up after the first battle,

by the Confederates, as they left the area.

It was rebuilt after the war.

The view up the river was so pretty ^_^

Then we drove to the Henry Hill Visitor's Center.

They had a few nice displays, 

but the really interesting things were outside!

It really was the perfect weather for a day of sight-seeing

Stonewall Jackson earned his nickname here,

at the first battle of Manassas by closing a gap in the line, 

and keeping the Union soldiers at bay.

His memorial reads:

 "There stands Jackson, like a stone wall."

We toured the Henry House (above),

and saw amazing 3D photos of the aftermath

from the Battles on the house and surrounding area.

There was also a monument to the fallen soldiers,

which was erected in 1869.

We drove just down the road to tour the Stone House.

It was a tavern and inn prior to the battles,

and a field hospital during the war.

We met reenactors from the New York 5th regiment of Zouaves.

They lost over 80% of their men at Bull Run.

We had seen examples of their uniforms in museums before, 

but they were even more impressive in person,

Then we headed to Brawner Farm, to see live artillery drills.

We learned all about the guns they used, 

and saw how they were loaded and fired.

"It's so loud!"

Then they fired the cannon!

We toured the farm house, 

and went around back to meet this gentleman.  

He taught us all about what it would've been like

in Civil War encampments.

He had his trusty dog inside his tent,

and was cooking up some lunch over the fire.

Then I caught the second round of cannon fire from a different view,

just before we called it a day and headed home.

I'm grateful to the people who work so hard to keep history alive.

It wouldn't be near as exciting for my kids to learn about,

if it weren't for the reenactors, knowledgeable workers,

and other volunteers.