Civil War Encampment August 13 to 14

Civil War Weekend Brings Back The Past

"The times look very bad," wrote James Barlow in 1861. The Haight and Barlow families lived at Sully during the Civil War years and they had heard the thunder of cannons from the Battle of Manassas in July. Both Confederate and Federal troops traveled across Sully's grounds from 1861 to 1865. They requisitioned a wagon and team, took livestock, and Maria Barlow sold them hay. Wounded soldiers were left at Sully after the Battle of Ox Hill. Hear the roar of artillery, the beat of horse's hooves and the muffled sounds of infantry on the march as Sully Historic Site hosts its annual Civil War Weekend Encampment onSaturday, August 13, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and on Sunday, August 14 from10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Tactical exercises each day illustrate military maneuvers of the period. Reenactors demonstrate the varied work of the army including drill, camp life, medical care, and artillery and rifle firing. Visitors can fall in as recruits and learn to march while carrying a wooden musket.

Civilian reenactors recreate the daily experiences of Northern Virginia residents during the early years of the Civil War. Play historic games and enjoy music on the lawn performed by local duo, Evergreen Shade. Visit the sutlers and purchase the same goods soldiers would have found at these traveling merchants' tents.

Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and children. Included in this program is a guided tour of the first and second floors of the 1794 home of Richard Bland Lee, Northern Virginia's first congressman and uncle of Robert E. Lee. On view in the house will be rarely seen 19th century artifacts, including a top hat that, according to oral tradition, was worn by Jacob Haight to Abraham Lincoln's inauguration. The last house tour begins at 4 pm.

Sully Historic Site is located in Chantilly off Route 28, one quarter mile north of Route 50, five miles north of Route 66 or five miles south of the Dulles Toll Road. For more information, call 703-437-1794 or visit us on the web.