Manassas National Battlefield Park

Manassas National Battlefield Park was designated a national battlefield park on May 10, 1940, and is the site of the First and Second Manassas Battles which were fought in this location on July 21, 1861, and August 28-30, 1862 respectively. The First Manassas Battle in 1861, was pivotal because it was a measure of the strength and military prowess between the Northern and Southern warring factions. 

Additionally, it is at this site that Confederate Brigadier General Thomas J. Jackson acquired his nickname ‘Stonewall.’ To get to the site of the national battlefield park, drive north from the city of Manassas using the Interstate 66 about 25 miles west of Washington, DC. The park measures about 5,000 acres and is located in Prince William County in the state of Virginia. 

Manassas National Battlefield Park is a favorite to visitors in the local area and from far away for several reasons. Besides the historical attraction, the park is a great place to enjoy recreational activities like horseback riding, self-guided driving tour (second Battle of Manassas site), hiking, interpretive programs, and self-guided walking tour (first Battle of Manassas site). 

Some of the amenities in the park to facilitate these activities include restrooms, a museum, self-guided trails, picnic area, and a visitor center. Dogs are allowed into Manassas National Battlefield Park, but dog owners should ensure that they keep away from restricted areas of the park. One of the restricted areas that dogs should be kept away from is the visitor center (and all other park buildings). 

If you decide to go into other areas of the park that are not restricted, remember to always keep your pooch on a leash. This leash should be at least six feet in length. It's also a good idea to carry poop bags with you because the park authorities expect dog owners to clean and dispose of their dog's solid waste in the right way.