Marking history

MANASSAS, Va. -- One year from today, big things will be happening in Prince William County.

The county -- central to the story of the Civil War -- will observe the Sesquicentennial of the First Battle of Manassas, which took place July 21, 1861.

Thousands of visitors are expected flock to the area to take in one of many activities planned, not only for that day but throughout the weekend.

A highlight of the day will be a commemorative event that morning on Henry Hill at Manassas National Battlefield Park.

Later in the day, a special observance is planned at the Old Courthouse in Manassas, the site of the 1911 Peace Jubilee visit by President Taft.

Ed Clark, superintendent of Manassas National Battlefield Park, said that while the site is prohibited from conducting reenactments, large-scale encampments, firing demonstrations and maneuvers will be carried out the entire weekend.

“We are very excited about not only our plans, but those by other organizations throughout the county. The eyes of the nation will be on Manassas to see how we do to kickoff the four-year events of the Civil War,” he said.

Clark said the battlefield will actually kick off its observance in April when all of the sixth graders in Prince William schools are invited to come for “Battlefield Day” to educate them on the part the Civil War played in the development of the nation.

Clark said he has received excellent planning help from many organizations including the Prince William county Sesquicentennial Committee, the American Civil War Commission and the Journey Through Hallowed Grounds.

“We are all pulling together to plan a variety of great events,” he said.

“Our number one goal is to bring people to Prince William and we expect many busloads of visitors to come storming into the area,” said Creston Owen with Historic Manassas Inc., one of the original boosters of the sesquicentennial observances.

HMI is preparing a four-day sesquicentennial event that will showcase reenactments, parades, exhibits and interpreters.

“HMI is pulling together its resources along with the county and the state to prepare and host a Civil-war period event that captures the reality and reenactment of one of the United States’ most historical battles. This anniversary event will not only provide an historical recount, but provide an honorable commemoration of those that served lived and died during the Civil War,” said Debbie Haight, executive director.

Today marks the 149th anniversary of the First Battle of Manassas and kicks off preparation plans for the sesquicentennial. The following events are planned in Manassas in 2011: (all events are free except for items marked ticketed-event).

Thursday, July 21, 2011:
• “Color in Freedom: Journey Along the Underground Railroad Art Exhibit” by local artist Joseph Holston at the Center for the Arts in the Candy Factory.
• Manassas will host mega-screens for public to view the battlefield commemoration at 9 a.m. An official luncheon for invited guests will be offered at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas at noon.
• At the Peace Jubilee, vintage automobiles will line the street as well as flags and Peace Maidens with a parade to the Harris Pavilion immediately following the event at 4 p.m.
• Live Civil War period music with dance instructors teaching period dance, like the waltz, at 6 p.m. at the Harris Pavilion.

Events July 21 to July 24, 2011 include:
• Liberia Mansion, which hosted Confederate headquarters, will provide insight into Gen. P. G. T. Beauregard’s occupation, spy activity and battle plans from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Confederate interpreters at Mayfield Fort and Union interpreters at Cannon Branch will discuss military strategy from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• “Free at Last: Life After the War, A focus on Life for Black Americans after the Civil War” will take place at Jennie Dean Historical Site at 9601 Wellington Road.

Events July 22 to July 30, 2011:
• Pringle House Hospital Living History presented by local historians at Ben Lomond Manor House.
July 22, 2011:
• Manassas Civil War Military Parade in Old Town starting at 10 a.m.
• Battle Reenactment (skirmish) at 2 p.m. at Osbourn High School.
• Virginia Civil War Exhibit opening reception at 7 p.m. at the Manassas Museum.
• Live Civil War period music at 7 p.m. at the Harris Pavilion.

Events July 23, 2011:
• First Battle of Manassas Reenactment, time and location still in development.
• Civil War baseball where attendees can view an 1800’s baseball game played by reenactors in period attire at 2 p.m. at Dean Elementary School.
• Twilight Manassas City Cemetery Tour at 8 p.m. at the City Cemetery.
• Sesquicentennial Blue and Gray Ball at 8 p.m. at the Liberia Mansion. (ticketed event)

Events July 24, 2011:
• Interfaith service on the lawn of the Manassas Museum at 10 a.m. to remember the casualties of the Manassas battles.
• United Daughters of the Confederacy Wreath Laying at the City Cemetery with time to be determined.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703 369-6707.