We took a guided tour yesterday morning at Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park. Bordered by Bristow Road, the railroad tracks and a subdivision, the 133-acre green field site lies about four miles south of Manassas. Not a major fight, but lots to sort out, with two different battles and the camp.
Many thanks to Tom, our trusty guide with the Prince William County folks. As we walked towards the killing fields near the railroad tracks, he gave us an overview. The focus of the war had shifted to the Western Theater. Lee and his men were hurting bad after Gettysburg but by sheer force of will, they pushed past General Meade around Culpepper. On October 14, 1863, A.P. Hill stood high on a hill occupied now by the Bristow Center’s shops and restaurants.
Wish I had more time to with this one. The Confederates fought hard but were sitting ducks for Warren’s troops protected by the railroad bed.
I was most touched by the Alabama Cemetery and the efforts to make these boys final resting place something special and sacred. It’s moments like these when you put aside the rights and wrongs of the war, and just have quiet thoughts for the departed.
Here are some photos.
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