Last updated: October 10, 2024
Place
Auto Tour Stop #2: Battery Heights
NPS
Quick Facts
Location:
Manassas, Virginia
Designation:
National Battlefield Park
Amenities
2 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto
As the battle at Brawner Farm began, Capt. Joseph Campbell's Battery B, 4th U.S. Artillery, deployed here. The fire of these six guns effectively silenced the opposing Confederate batteries. Two days later, on the afternoon of August 30, 1862, Capt. William Chapman's Dixie Artillery occupied this same elevation contributing to the repulse of the huge Union attack on Stonewall Jackson's line at the Deep Cut of the unfinished railroad. A converging fire of 36 Confederate cannon from massed batteries on the Brawner Farm shattered the Union infantry maneuvering over the open fields. Chapman's four guns joined this concentrated fire to strike the flank and rear of the wavering Union troops, hastening their retreat.
Today, the site serves as Tour Stop #2 on the park's self-guided Second Manassas driving tour.
Inscription:
A General Rufus King's Union division marched eastward along the Warrenton Turnpike (U.S. Route 29 today), they came under fire from Confederate artillery on the distant ridge. Captain Joseph Campbell's Battery B. 4th U.S. Artillery wheeled off the road and into position atop this rise to return fire. Campbell's six guns effectively silenced the Rebel batteries, allowing Federal infantry to confront the Confederates on the neighboring Brawner Farm. These were the opening salvos of the Second Battle of Manassas.
Inscription #2:
Union and Confederate armies alike recognized the value of this hill as an artillery position during the Second Battle of Manassas. Union artillerists occupied this spot first, on August 28, 1862, during the Brawner Farm engagement. Two days later, Confederate gunners unlimbered here to help repulse the Federals attacking at the Deep Cut. Walk the grounds for a view of the battlefield. The Brawner Farm area lies to your left. The Unfinished Railroad crosses the ridge in front of you and through the Deep Cut area, nearly one mile away.
Today, the site serves as Tour Stop #2 on the park's self-guided Second Manassas driving tour.
Inscription:
A General Rufus King's Union division marched eastward along the Warrenton Turnpike (U.S. Route 29 today), they came under fire from Confederate artillery on the distant ridge. Captain Joseph Campbell's Battery B. 4th U.S. Artillery wheeled off the road and into position atop this rise to return fire. Campbell's six guns effectively silenced the Rebel batteries, allowing Federal infantry to confront the Confederates on the neighboring Brawner Farm. These were the opening salvos of the Second Battle of Manassas.
Inscription #2:
Union and Confederate armies alike recognized the value of this hill as an artillery position during the Second Battle of Manassas. Union artillerists occupied this spot first, on August 28, 1862, during the Brawner Farm engagement. Two days later, Confederate gunners unlimbered here to help repulse the Federals attacking at the Deep Cut. Walk the grounds for a view of the battlefield. The Brawner Farm area lies to your left. The Unfinished Railroad crosses the ridge in front of you and through the Deep Cut area, nearly one mile away.