Saving History Saturday: Prince William County Adds 22 Acres to the Bristoe Station Battlefield Park
On August 15, Prince William County announced that they acquired 22 additional acres of core battlefield, which will be added to the Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park.
Originally purchased by the American Battlefield Trust in 2021, the land, which saw fighting as part of both the battle of Kettle Run on August 27, 1862, and the battle of Bristoe Station on August 14, 1863, borders Bristow Road and the Norfolk Southern rail line. (see maps, below)
“The Trust is grateful to have a strong ally and steward in Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park,” said David N. Duncan, president of the American Battlefield Trust. “The inclusion and interpretation of this further acreage into its existing holdings will enhance learning opportunities for visitors and ensure a comprehensive strategy for care of the site.”
The 22-acres now being added increases the size of the Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, opened in 2006, to 160 acres. The park features three miles of interpretive walking trails, covering both battles, and the military encampments located in the area.
“This is an exciting day for Prince William County. The preservation of the Rollins Farm and its historical significance extends the Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park across Norfolk Southern’s tracks to the east, offering more opportunities for exploration, learning and recreation” said Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy.
Prince William County plans to restore the newly acquired land to its 1863 appearance.
ECW’s Chris Mackowski spoke with historian Kevin Pawlak, site manager of the Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, about the impact of the new acquisition.
For more information on Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, visit www.pwcva.gov/bristoe.
An interesting and poignant story arose from the Battle of Briscoe Station. One casualty of the battle was Brig. Gen. Carnot Posey, who suffered a case shot wound in his left thigh. Upon being struck, Posey cried out to his son and staff officer, Captain Stanhope Posey, “Well, son, they have got me this time!”
Posey was sent to recuperate in Charlottesville. He was placed in what had been a student room on the University of Virginia’s storied “Lawn.” Ironically, Posey – a Mississippian – had studied law at the University in 1836-37. Posey was cared for by a fellow alumnus, Dr. John S. Davis, whose father had been Posey’s law professor. Posey died on November 13, 1863.
An oft-repeated story is that Posey died in the very room – 33 West Lawn – which he and Dr. Davis supposedly had shared so long ago as University classmates. Further, so goes the story, as a final act of friendship Davis had Posey buried in the Davis family plot in the University’s historic cemetery (rather than the adjoining Confederate cemetery).
Is the story true? You’ll have to read the results of my research into these questions.
Bristoe Station remains on my list to visit/study. Congratulations on the additional preservation.