Photo Credit: Courtesy of Manassas National Battlefield Park
Visitors to the Manassas National Battlefield Park (MNBP), site of the first battle of what became the Civil War, now have a clearer view of the battlefield--and a better understanding of that momentous event in our nation’s history. That’s because a land-clearing project at the Manassas, Va., site was recently completed to return it to its original condition during the First (and Second) Battle of Manassas. For the first time, visitors can stand on the battle lines of the Union forces, and see the cannon lines of Confederate forces, just as they did on July 21, 1861 (First Battle of Manassas) and August 28 through 30, 1862 (Second Battle of Manassas). Visitors can even gaze upon the hillsides and imagine the townsfolk enjoying a picnic lunch, watching what they were sure would be a quick rout of the Confederates. Little did the townspeople know how important that battle would be--or their contribution to our nation’s heritage.
Scott Reigel, co-owner of the consulting forestry firm Clear Creek Forestry, LLC, is a Civil War buff, and his company’s contribution is returning the battlefields to historical accuracy. Clear Creek teamed up with members of MNBP in all phases of the project, including mapping, area layout, environmental assessment, harvest planning and supervising the logging operation as well as debris cleanup and removal. “We knew the importance of this project, not only for its historical importance but also for future generations. It was an opportunity for us to make a difference. We also knew that it would be a struggle with the public because of the sensitivity of the site.” Scott says. “But it was a project that we definitely wanted to take on and be a part of.”
Digging In
The project had a two-pronged approach--restoration of an eight-acre site at Mathews Hill and another 118 acres at the Brawner Farm and Deep Cut area. These two sites had significant historical importance within the 4,000 acres owned by the park today.