Final Countdown to Sesquicentennial Events

Prince William county and Manassas are ready to remember and reflect upon the 150th Anniversary of The First Battle of Manassas (Bull Run). 

The County, National Park Service and the City of Manassas are all holding a series of commemorative events July 21-24, presenting the varied perspectives of Federal and Confederate soldiers, civilians, slaves, and freed African Americans. 

The diverse offerings include: lectures, concerts, film, living history displays, cavalry and cannon demonstrations, encampments and period music.

The highlight of the 150th Anniversary Commemoration for the county will be the definitive reenactment of the first major land battle of the
American Civil War at Pageland Farm adjacent to Manassas National Battlefield Park on Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24.

The use of the farm was donated by the Snyder family in honor of their mother and preservationist Annie Snyder.

More than 8,700 reenactors from across the United States, Canada, and Europe have registered to participate in the actual battle scenario.

“To ensure visitors enjoy the best possible experience arriving at the right location at the right time, we recommend that you preview arrangements before your arrival," said Executive Director for  Discover Prince William & Manassas Ann Marie Maher.

Complete information on ticket purchases, parking, accommodations, and dining is available online at www.manassasbullrun.com or by calling Discover Prince William & Manassas at 888-721-1861 or 703-396-7130.

Many of the events are free; others require ticket purchase. Off-site parking with continuous shuttle service is available for most events including the 150th Anniversary Commemoration of the First Battle of Manassas/Bull Run reenactment, City of Manassas events, and the National Park Service events.

The 150th Anniversary Battle Reenactment – July 23 & 24, 2011

The reenactment of the Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run) will take place at Pageland Farm, which is located in Gainesville, Virginia adjacent to the Manassas National Battlefield Park.

Tickets start at $24 for adults and $15 for children and can be purchased online at www.manassasbullrun.com. There will be as many as 8,700 reenactors and 375 cavalry horses presenting the actual battle scenario fought 150 years ago. The battle reenactment begins at 9:15 a.m. and is expected to continue for 90 minutes or more. Pageland Farm can accommodate up to 15,000 spectators per day.

Visitors may also visit the military troop encampments, stop by the period tents to experience games for the children, enjoy period craftsmen, hear the music of the era, explore Civil War medical tents, and participate in a number of engaging and educational activities for the whole family. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. An array of period shopkeepers known as “sutlers” will sell uniforms, hats, leather goods, replica equipment, memorabilia, and period artifacts.

Parking for the event will be at Jiffy Lube Live (formerly Nissan Pavilion) at 7800 Cellar Door Drive, Bristow, Virginia 20136. We recommend visitors arrive no later than 8:00 a.m. to the parking area. Air-conditioned shuttles will run continuously from 6:00 a.m.-3:00
p.m. to transport guests to and from the reenactment site at Pageland Farm.

Manassas National Battlefield Park Events – July 21

Manassas National Battlefield Park will host a number of activities on July 21st, which is the actual 150th Anniversary of The First Battle of Manassas/Bull Run and throughout the weekend including living history, walking tours, and concerts.

The pre-ticketed event will begins at 9:15 a.m. The Visitors Center and Exhibition area will open to the general public at noon on July 21, and will include the historic Stone House, living history area, Henry House and Youth Program tent.

Park rangers will offer 45 -minute guided walking tours on Henry Hill. A commemorative stamp dedication, musketry firing demonstrations, guided tour of the Henry Farm and more will also be available to visitors. For a complete list of planned activities over the four-day commemoration, go to www.nps.gov/manassas or www.manassasbullrun.com. 

Parking will be at Chinn Ridge directly across from the Henry Hill Visitor Center entrance at 6511 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA 20109.

National Jubilee of Peace – July 21 4:00 p.m.

Prince William County and the City of Manassas are presenting a recreation of the 1911 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/Bull Run and join together in healing the wounds caused by the Civil War.

The event will take place at the Old Manassas Courthouse at the intersection of Lee and Grant Avenues near Old Town Manassas. 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


Castleton Festival at the Hylton Performing Arts Center- July 21, 2011 8:00 p.m.

Join maestro Lorin Maazel and world-renowned mezzo soprano Denyce Graves for an evening of American music commemorating the First Battle of Manassas/Bull Run. The evening will feature works by Stephen Foster, Aaron Copland, George Gershwin and other talented composers. A pre-performance discussion will feature Dan DeVany, vice president and general manager of Classical WETA 90.9FM. Tickets are available from Hylton Performing Arts Center (10900 University
Boulevard, Manassas, VA 20110) at www.hylton.org 703-993-9344 and are priced at $30.00, $45.00, and $60.00 per person. Free parking for ticket holders will be provided.

Prince William County Historic Sites – July 21 – 24 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Tickets for tours and period activities are $5 for each site and are good for the entire 4 days. Free parking is available on site
for these locations. More information at www.pwcgov.org/historicevents or by calling 703-792-4754

Ben Lomond Historic Site /Pringle House Medical Exhibit- Tours are offered from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Parking is
available on-site at 10321 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas, Virginia 20109.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre -. Buildings are open from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow,
Virginia 20136

Rippon Lodge Historic Site- Tours are offered from 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Parking is available onsite at 15220 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA 22191.

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park-Tours are offered from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. with onsite parking available at 10708 Bristow Road in Bristow, Virginia 20136.

Premiere of Gods and Generals (Extended Directors Cut) July 22, 2011 2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Join director Ron Maxwell, Warner Brothers, and stars from the epic American history film, Gods and Generals at the Hylton Performing Arts Center to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the First Battle of Manassas to benefit the Journey through Hallowed Ground Partnership.

A 3 p.m. panel discussion and 4 p.m. autograph signing will proceed the 5 p.m. showing of the film. Tickets are available for $61.00 (with reenactors and military ID tickets discounted to $30.00) at www.jthg.com or www.tickets.com. Free parking is available at The Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10900 University Boulevard, Manassas,VA 20110 703-993-9344.

City of Manassas Events July 21-24 Parking Information

City of Manassas events— including tours of seven historic sites Manassas Museum, Liberia Plantation, Confederate Cemetery, Cannon Branch Fort, Jennie Dean Historical Site, Mayfield Fort and Camp Manassas, Parade, concerts at the Loy Harris Pavilion, and events at Manassas Museum (www.manassasmuseum.org)—will require parking at the Prince William County Fairgrounds (10624 Dumfries Road),  with a $20.00 shuttle and admission fee.

A $5.00 Manassas note will be provided to each ticket holder for shopping and dining in Old Town.

Buy tickets online at www.manassascivil war.org or www.manassasbullrun.com 877-848-3018 703-361.6599.

Commemorative Package for Sesquicentennial Events July 21-July 24

A commemorative package is available for the Manassas National Battlefield Park , Prince William County Historic Sites,
City of Manassas events and the Reenactment of the First Battle of Manassas/Bull Run from $42.00-$72.00 per person.
Packages may be purchased online at www.manassasbullrun.com. The official commemorative program and commemoration
memorabilia is available for purchase at www.civilwarwebstore.com