ECW Weekender: Bristoe Station 160th

The Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park has a little bit of Civil War history for everyone, interpreting events from 1861 through 1865, and most notably the battle which took place on October 14, 1863 between Confederate Lieutentant General A.P. Hill and Union forces under General Gouverneur Warren. In a recent ECW podcast, Chris Mackowski chatted with Kevin Pawlak and Jeff Hunt about the battle and how it is often overlooked due to its occurrence between Gettysburg and the start of the Overland Campaign in 1864. But this is not a battlefield park you’ll want to overlook, especially this weekend. Not only does the park have a 1.25 mile walking trail covering the preserved 140-acre Bristoe Station battlefield, but visitors can also learn about another battle that took place around Kettle Run in August of 1862. Along the trial, you’ll find a replica of winter quarters, and pass by an Alabama cemetery from the winter of 1861. Self-guided tours can be taken every day from sunrise to sunset, and volunteer-led tours are offered 11am, 1pm and 3pm on the second and fourth weekend of the month from May through October. Here are just a few snapshots from my own visit to the battlefield in the fall of 2020.

For the 160th Anniversary, artillery and infantry demonstrations will be held on Saturday, October 14, and a special immersive battlefield tour will take place that evening. Though admittance is free, donations are suggested and greatly appreciated. For more information, check out their Facebook event HERE or call 703-366-3049.

Address: 11643 Iron Brigade Unit Ave, Bristow, VA 20136