Historic Prince William & Manassas

Prince William & Manassas, Va., is a Civil War history buff’s paradise. With an array of fascinating spots spread out over this hospitable destination, there’s no end to what you’ll discover.

A great starting point is Manassas National Battlefield Park, where the first and second Battles of Manassas occurred, sometimes referred to as the Battles of Bull Run. The 5,000 acres of pristinely preserved battlefield is entirely open for visitors to explore on foot, either on their own or with a guided group.

If you want to make sure you hit all the locations that spark your interest, take a look at the Prince William & Manassas Heritage Trail. With 25 stopping points spread out over the county, you can easily make a day (or two) of following the trails of Civil War soldiers.

For travelers with limited time, one highlight from the trail is the Ben Lomond Historic Site. The main house was built in 1837 and acted as a Confederate hospital during the Civil War. In addition to exploring the sick rooms, where soldiers’ graffiti still litters the walls, guests can view the slave quarters and the farm’s dairy and smokehouse.

Had your fill of the Civil War? Travel even further back in time with a visit to Chapman’s Mill, originally built in 1742 and possibly the tallest stacked stone structure in the country, at more than five stories tall. The mill provided armed forces with food during five wars and produced corn meal and flour until the mid-1900s.