VanNice Travels: Battle of Manassas (Bull Run)

There were actually two battles at Bull Run, the first in July 1861 followed one year later by the second battle in August 1862. Below are some images of the battle area.

Unfinished railroad grade where savage fighting took place during the second battle.

New York Monument - on this ridge the Union stood it's ground. New York's 5th and 10th regiments futile battle ended in slaughter. In five minutes the 5th New York lost 123 men killed, the greatest loss of life in any single infantry regiment in any battle of the Civil War.

Across the road from the New York Monument is a monument to the Confederate men who lost their lives at Manassas.

Henry Hill

The central fighting of the first Manassas took place here on Henry Hill but bloody fighting took place here in both battles.

Stone House

This house sheltered the Union army in both battles and served as a Union field hospital.

Under cover of darkness the defeated Union army retreated across Bull Run towards the Washington defenses beyond. Lee's bold and brilliant second Manassas campaign opened the way for the South's first invasion of the North.

Bull Run Festival of Lights

Old Man Winter welcomes you to the Festival of Lights. Scott and I were lucky to be at this campground while they were setting up this annual event. Every night when we came back to our trailer we'd notice what was added and on some nights they tested the lights so we got a sneak preview!

Here is a sample of what we saw during the day and what it looks like at night.

At night this deer looks like it's grazing. Can you see the black head? It moves up to look and then back down to eat!

There were several arches like this one of snowflakes, gingerbread men, toy soldiers, and a huge holly wreath! You drive your car under each arch! The squirrels were my favorite, at night they looked like they were jumping from tree branch to tree branch!