As the 150^th  anniversary of the American Civil War approaches, the area is featuring a full slate of commemorations and intriguing special events.

Just 30 miles southwest of Washington, DC, scenic Prince William County is home to important historic sites such as Manassas National Battlefield Park, operated by the U.S. National Park Service. But history isn’t the only attraction. In between the commemoration events, spend some time discovering the area’s arts, outdoors and quaint historic communities.

150th Civil War Commemoration: Battle of Second Manassas / Bull Run

The Battle of Second Manassas/Bull Run was a major turning point in the Civil War – the culmination of an offensive campaign by Confederate General Robert E. Lee against Union Major General John Pope’s Army of Virginia. Lee’s bold Second Manassas campaign brought the Confederate armies to the height of their power and opened the way for the South’s first invasion of the North.

Walk in the footsteps of American Civil War soldiers by participating in the events being held at Manassas National Battlefield Park in August 2012. Here is a small sampling:

• Second Manassas Living History & Historic Weapons Demonstration, featuring a living history encampment and artillery demonstrations
• Walking Tour – Thoroughfare Gap, a battlefield tour of the ruins
• Walking Tour – Counterattack at Chinn Ridge, covering the massive Confederate counterattack leading to the battle’s climactic fight
• Walking Tour – Battling Until Sunset:  The Struggle for Henry Hill, focusing on the final phase of fighting

Over the next several years, ongoing events include bus tours, walking tours and lectures. Bristoe Station Battlefield guided tours  illuminate the battles at Camp Jones in 1862-63, and Potomac River Blockade Boat Tours  reconstruct the infamous blockade of Washington, DC, for six months in 1861-62. See the full event calendar at www.manassasbullrun.com.

Attractions with a History

Many of the attractions in Manassas and the rest of Prince William County are a reflection of the area’s rich military history. The National Museum of the Marine Corps, in Triangle, Virginia, presents the history of the Corps through galleries, exhibits and programs. The Weems-Botts Museum in Dumfries is named in part for Parson Weems, a writer who published a famous book about America’s first commander-in-chief, George Washington, in the 1800s.

Another popular attraction is Rippon Lodge, the oldest house in Prince William County, built in 1747. The Manassas  Museum  displays artifacts, documents, videos and photographs revealing Northern Virginia’s interesting history.

Civil War Trails have been established to connect historic sites and museums. Local trails include the Prince William County Civil War Heritage Trail . Read more about Civil War Trails here.

Art, Shopping, Dining & More

Prince William County offers plenty of modern-day diversions. For arts and entertainment, enjoy music or theatre at the new Hylton Performing Arts Center or the Jiffy Lube Live amphitheater. For outdoor recreation, visit Prince William Forest Park, an expansive natural area with tons of amenities.

For shopping, browse the rambling Potomac Mills outlet centre or stroll the quaint streets of historic Occoquan and Old Town Manassas. For dining, sample the area’s variety of charming restaurants, cafes, markets and coffeehouses.

For more on visiting Prince William County and Manassas, go to www.visitpwc.com.