The Awakening

Impression of Manassas National Battlefield Park

 (First Battle of Manassas/Bull Run)

Laural M Koons

This was Dawn and my second longest day out as we decided to see two sites that were fairly close together. As I look back, I can say we got another gorgeous day to take photos and wander the sites, and wander we did!  National Battlefield Park is a large park consisting of 5,073 acres. No, we didn’t cover it all, but we walked a few miles. First stop was to see the stone bridge where the northern troops crossed at Bull Run. 

Our next stop was at the Stone House at Buck Hill and Matthews Hill, the opening phase of the first Battle of Manassas. Our final stop was at the Henry House on Henry Hill. As I am looking around, I can't help but think about the stories of the citizens and congressmen with their picnic baskets following the Northern Army to watch what they all expected to be a quick fight that would end the war. My impression is of an awakening, as everyone became suddenly aware that this battle was not going to end the war that day.