Civil War Sesquicentennial Events Guide

Battle Reenactment – July 23 & 24
The reenactment of the Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run) will take place at Pageland Farm, which is adjacent to the National Battlefield Park. Tickets start at $24 for adults and $15 for children and are on sale at www.manassasbullrun.org. This event is funded by Prince William County through Discover Prince William/Manassas (formerly named the Convention and Visitors Bureau). There will be 8,600 reenactors and approximately 10,000 spectators to witness live action of what the battle would have been like 150 years ago. Spectators can also visit the military troop encampments, stop by the period tents to experience games for the children, period craftsmen activities, medical tents, and a number of engaging and educational activities for the whole family. There will be modern-day food vendors as well as period “sutlers” where people can purchase food, drinks, memorabilia, and period artifacts. Parking for this event will be at Jiffy Lube Live and shuttles will take people to and from Pageland Farm. The site is open from 6:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Shuttles will run continuously from the site throughout the day.

National Battlefield Park Events – July 21
The National Battlefield Park will host a number of activities on July 21st, which is the actual day of the Battle of First Manassas/Bull Run. For a list of all the activities, you can visit: http://www.manassasbullrun.com/event/58/Sesquicentennial-Event-at-Manassas-National-Battlefield-Park.htm. Parking for the morning events will be at the campgrounds across from the Henry Hill Visitor Center entrance.

National Jubilee of Peace – July 21 4:00 p.m.
Prince William County and the City of Manassas are presenting a reenactment of the National Jubilee of Peace. The original event took place 100 years ago as soldiers from the north and south came together in an act of reconciliation to remember the Battle of First Manassas and join together in healing the wounds caused by the Civil War. The event will take place at the Historic Court House in Prince William County adjacent to the City of Manassas Historic Manassas area. The event is free and parking will be at the Prince William/Manassas Court parking area. There will be a number of activities in Historic Manassas following the event. For more information visit: http://www.manassasbullrun.com/event/140/Peace-Jubilee.htm

Prince William County Historic Sites – July 21 – 24
Tickets for tours and period activities are $5 for each site and are good for the entire 4 days. Parking is available on site for these locations.

 Ben Lomond Site - Visit one of the few remaining plantations in Prince William County. Built in 1832 by Benjamin Chinn, this was a thriving farm prior to the Civil War. The house and grounds were used as a Confederate hospital after the Battle of 1st Manassas and later in the war Federal soldiers covered the house with graffiti. Today with a new exhibit and restored slave quarter, visitors can see how Ben Lomond would have looked in 1861. Tours are offered from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Parking is available on-site.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre - Visit Northern Virginia's oldest restored Courthouse complex. In 1820, the Prince William County seat was moved from Dumfries to the new town of Brentsville. The Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre features the 1822 Courthouse and Jail, and 1850s log home, the 1874 Union Church and the 1928 one-room school. Visit these historic buildings, learn about the 1822 Tavern on the Archaeology Trail and discover wildlife on the Nature Trail. Buildings are open from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Rippon Lodge - Visit one of the oldest homes in Prince William County. Rippon Lodge was built circa 1747 by Richard Blackburn, an immigrant from Ripon, England. His son, Lt. Col. Thomas Blackburn, enlarged the house in 1800. Judge Wade Ellis expanded Rippon Lodge to its current size during the early 1920s. Tour the restored house, stroll across the vast lawns, visit the 18th-century cemetery and admire the pristine view of historic Neabsco Creek. Tours are offered from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

City of Manassas Events – July 21-24
$20 ticket includes entrance into seven (7) Historic Sites including the Manassas Museum, Liberia Plantation, Confederate Cemetery, Cannon Branch Fort, Jennie Dean Historical Site, Mayfield Fort, and Camp Manassas. This package also includes a five dollar ($5.00) “Manassas Note” to be used toward dining or shopping at locations throughout the City of Manassas. Information for these events can be found at www.manassascivilwar.org<http://www.manassascivilwar.org/>. Parking for these events will be held at the Prince William County Fairgrounds with shuttles going to the City of Manassas. Spectators should understand that this is separate from the Battle Reenactment taking place at Pageland Farm and tickets do not include access to the Battle Reenactment. Those who have tickets to the Battle Reenactment must park at Jiffy Lube Live to go to the reenactment at Pageland Farm. After returning to Jiffy Lube Live on the shuttle from Pageland Farm, visitors can drive to the Fairgrounds to access the shuttles for the City of Manassas events.