MANASSAS BATTLEFIELD NATIONAL PARK extends over grassy hills at the western fringes of the Washington DC suburban belt, just off I-66. Such is the power of these brooding hillsides you don't have to know the details of what happened here to get a sense of the site's historical importance. Soon after the first shots were fired at Fort Sumter, the first major land battle of the Civil War - known as the Battle of Bull Run - was fought here on the morning of July 21, 1861. Expecting an easy victory, some 25,000 Union troops attacked a Confederate detachment that controlled a vital railroad link to the Shenandoah Valley. The rebels proved powerful opponents, their strength in battle earning their commander, General Thomas Jackson, the famous nickname "Stonewall." He and General Lee also masterminded a second Confederate victory here in late August 1862.

Displays in the small visitor center at the entrance (daily 8.30am-5pm; June-Aug Sat & Sun until 6pm; park admission $2) describe how the first battle took shape, and detail other aspects of the war.

Manassas Battlefield National Park

• Manassas Battlefield National Park

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