This serene landscape was the site of two very bloody battles 150 years ago. Today, much of the landscape within Manassas National Battlefield Park still retains its wartime character. The First Battle of Bull Run – so-called for the battle’s vicinity to the nearby Bull Run stream – also known as the Battle of Manassas – so-called for the battle’s vicinity to the nearby City of Manassas – took place here in July 1861, while the second battle occurred in August 1862.
Today marks the 150th anniversary of the end of the Second Battle of Bull Run – also known as the Battle of Manassas. The battle was a resounding victory for Confederate General Robert E. Lee and Major General Stonewall Jackson. Union Major General John Pope was blamed for the loss, and was relieved of his duties following the battle.
Out of 62,000 troops, the Union suffered about 10,000 casualties, while the Confederacy lost about 1,300 killed and 7,000 wounded out of 50,000 troops.
Following this historic battle, General Lee immediately moved the Army of Northern Virginia across the Potomac River toward a fateful encounter with the Army of the Potomac in what culminated in the bloodiest battle in one day that America has ever seen – the Battle of Antietam.
In solemn commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, and in partnership with Gettysburg 150, Music Celebrations is incorporating the entire 150th anniversary within our annual performance series in our Nation’s Capital – the National Festival of the States.
Music ensembles that participate in this concert series have the unique opportunity to:
1) learn more about this difficult part of our history.
2) perform at important and historic concert venues.
3) raise the ensemble’s profile in its community.
