I think I have mentioned it before, but one of our favorite things to do as a family is visit national and state parks. Most of the time they are free or only a couple of dollars per person. There is so much history filled into these parks! On our recent trip to Washington D.C., we took time on our way home to stop by the Manassas National Battlefield Park.
I used the word amazing a lot throughout my weekend, and really the only word I could think of for this place was amazing. Just knowing that so many, young and old, lost their lives on the actual ground we were walking. Blood was spilled for some who were fighting for what they believed was right. For some it was father against son, brother against brother, uncle against nephew. Yes, it was a bloody war. Yet, God knew the outcome before it was ever started. He was there through it all.
We didn’t even walk the whole place. There is over 5,000 acres of land here that was fought on. We just walked the loop that they have at this area. Each marker has a number that you can listen to a recording on through your phone. As we walked and read each marker in this one loop, we also listened to a narrator give a few more details. I have to be honest and say that tears did come. I took over 300 pictures of this area and have chosen a few to share.
Reading the second sign with Dad.
Taking a moment to read about this grave marker.
Monument behind the house. I am sad to say that I did not get a chance to read what the plaque said on this one.
The Henry House.
The kids trying to reenact how the soldiers would have stood as they were preparing to fire the cannon.
Reading about Stonewall Jackson.
Looking at a line of cannons.
Dad telling Sammy how far the cannon ball could go.
General Barnard E. Bee monument.
Brigadier Frances Stebbings Bartow marker.
Andrew “Stonewall” Jackson Monument.
I love to go to old battlefields too. While we were in Virginia a few weeks ago, we went to Yorktown and that was a cool museum/living history area to visit. Sadly we didn’t make it to any of the Civil War stuff.
We haven’t been to Yorktown, but it is on our list of places to visit. We are hoping to make it back up to the Virginia area later this summer. Amazing how our list of places to visit just keeps growing! I can’t wait until we begin to study the Revolutionary and Civil War eras. They are my favorite time periods in America!
that looks like SO much fun!! I love that time period. It would really bring it to life for the girls too!
It really does help the history come to life. That is why I am a big fan of going to as many historical parks and museums as you can. I am already looking forward to when we can go back!