Experience the Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War
Where the battle began, heroes emerged, and peace prevailed
Prince William County & Manassas, Virginia
Beginning in 2010, Prince William County and the City of Manassas will commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War and the events that forever changed our nation.
Visitors will experience the Civil War as never before with living history, lectures, film, concerts, exhibits, academic pursuits, educational programs, and re-enactments. More than 80 different events are scheduled for 2010/2011 with more in the planning stages.
For four years, Prince William County and Manassas, Virginia will partner with the Commonwealth and the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission (www.virginiacivilwar.org) to explore the impact of the conflict on all Americans from civilians to soldiers, from slavery to emancipation, and from secession to surrender.
 Virginia was vitally important to the nation. From its importance geographically to the role it played in the founding of the nation, Virginia was at the heart of the conflict. Virginians were torn over the idea of secession. After the election of President Lincoln in 1860 many Virginians remained loyal to the United States. The original vote of the Virginia Secession Convention in Richmond was 80-45 against secession. In late April, Virginia's convention ratified a temporary union with the Confederacy and accepted the Southern Constitution subject to the approval of the ordinance of secession.
It was only after the outbreak of armed conflict that Virginians voted to secede. The citizens of the Commonwealth ratified that decision in a vote on May 23, 1861. Union forces marched out of Washington immediately occupying Alexandria for the duration of the war. Citizens of Prince William County volunteered to serve in the new army and trained on the grounds of Brentsville Courthouse.
After Harper's Ferry, preparations for war began in earnest.
On July 21, 1861 Federal troops marched out of Washington under the command of Brigadier General Irvin McDowell to “rout the rebels.” After fierce fighting between 28,450 Federal troops and 32,230 Confederate troops, under the command of Brig Gen P.G.T. Beauregard and Brig Gen. Joe Johnston, the Union forces had driven the Confederates back from Bull Run to Henry Hill. Reinforcements arrived by rail from the Shenandoah Valley and broke the Union right flank. Union troops were routed across Bull Run. Confederate troops did not pursue the retreating Union forces and a long and bloody war had begun.
By July 22, Union troops reached the safety of Washington, Lincoln was convinced that the war would be long and costly. Congress passed the Crittenden Resolution stating that the preservation of the Union was the reason for the Civil War. Congress also authorized the use of volunteers to quell the rebellion.
Virginia would be a pivotal state in the Civil War. More than 60 percent of the battles were fought in Virginia and the Old Dominion suffered more damage than any other area in the western hemisphere. With Richmond as the Capital of the Confederacy and the Shenandoah Valley, the breadbasket, there were few Virginians whose lives were not inexorably altered by the conflict.
More than 600,000 Americans would die during the four years of war...more from disease and hunger than battle wounds.
Fifty years after the Battle of First Manassas, the veterans of the conflict gathered at the site to shake hands and reconcile old wounds. President Taft drove out from Washington to speak to the veterans and commemorate the Peace Jubilee on the steps of the Manassas Courthouse.
Both Union and Confederate veterans settled in the region, rebuilt the economy, created schools and established a peaceful, productive and tolerant community that emerged from the ashes of war and thrives to this day.
Prince William's Sesquicentennial story is an American legacy of war, peace, and reconciliation. In anticipation of that anniversary, the County has created the Prince William Civil War Heritage Trail linking 25 sites important to the conflict. Take a self- guided tour, or arrange to meet interpreters at key sites for a two-day trek through time.
Join with us in commemorating these events and the heroes of the age.
For additional information on other area hotels, campgrounds, attractions and events, go to www.visitpwc.com or call 800-432-1792.
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