September 24, 2006
September 24, 2006
This morning we drove out of DC south towards Virginia. We pass what looks like a mirage over the trees, like the castle out of the Wizard of Oz. The castle is pale white with gold tipped spires; it blends into the overcast sky making it shimmer. Aimee looks on the map and it turns out to be the Washington DC Mormon temple. The Mormons definitely have very unique architectures for their churches.
About 25 miles south of DC we get off the highway near the town of Manassas and head for the Battlefield Park. This area was the site of two battles of the Civil War. The South named their battles after the closest city (i.e. Manassas) and the North after the closest natural landmark (i.e. Bull Run). At the Visitor’s Center we watch a movie about the battle and look at their displays. They have a nice battlefield map with animated lights that illustrate the events of the battle. We also listen to a Ranger talk and walk around the central part of the battle site. The first Battle of Bull Run (or Manassas to my southern readers) was the first major battle of the Civil War. Both sides expected the war to be over quickly. The first Union recruits were only signed up for three months. Spectators from both sides came along with the troops to watch this first (and maybe last) battle. Everybody was aghast at the bloodiness of war and the fierce determination of the other side. This war was not going to end quickly or easily.
The North’s goal was to march south 100 miles from Washington and take the Confederate capital of Richmond, VA. In the way was the Manassas railroad junction. Both sides rushed to this spot with troops eager for battle. The first few Southern troops spread out on the southwestern bank of the local river, Bull Run. The North did an end run around sending half the army to cross Bull Run upstream. It was successful at first, but the North failed to press their advantage, and the South was able to bring reinforcements in position. One of the reinforcing units was commanded by General Jackson and his defense here gave him the legendary nickname of Stonewall. The battle would have ended in a stalemate except a rear-moving Union troop movement incited a general panicked retreat by the Union.
Before leaving the area we drive to the east side and see the main stone bridge over the Bull Run. After spending four hours at the site, we drive southwest to the outskirts of Charlottesville, home of the University of Virginia. The route goes thru some beautiful wooded country with green mountains in the distance to the west.
This morning we drove out of DC south towards Virginia. We pass what looks like a mirage over the trees, like the castle out of the Wizard of Oz. The castle is pale white with gold tipped spires; it blends into the overcast sky making it shimmer. Aimee looks on the map and it turns out to be the Washington DC Mormon temple. The Mormons definitely have very unique architectures for their churches.
The North’s goal was to march south 100 miles from Washington and take the Confederate capital of Richmond, VA. In the way was the Manassas railroad junction. Both sides rushed to this spot with troops eager for battle. The first few Southern troops spread out on the southwestern bank of the local river, Bull Run. The North did an end run around sending half the army to cross Bull Run upstream. It was successful at first, but the North failed to press their advantage, and the South was able to bring reinforcements in position. One of the reinforcing units was commanded by General Jackson and his defense here gave him the legendary nickname of Stonewall. The battle would have ended in a stalemate except a rear-moving Union troop movement incited a general panicked retreat by the Union.
Before leaving the area we drive to the east side and see the main stone bridge over the Bull Run. After spending four hours at the site, we drive southwest to the outskirts of Charlottesville, home of the University of Virginia. The route goes thru some beautiful wooded country with green mountains in the distance to the west.
posted by Mike and Aimee at 8:21 PM
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