Manassas Coffee Break

By Sandra Scott

Standing on the battlefield where the Civil War Battle of Bull Run took place in Manassas,VA, it was impossible for John and me to envision the 10 hours of heavy fighting that took place on a warm July day in 1861. At the end of the day nearly 900 young men were dead. The film in the Visitor’s Center, “Manassas: End of Innocence,” vividly depicts the battle that was a rude awakening for Americans who thought the war would be quick and fairly bloodless. So confident that the Northern army under the command of General Irvin McDowell would be victorious, the wealthy elite of nearby Washington came to picnic and watch the battle. When the Union army was driven back in disorder, panicked civilians attempting to flee in their carriages blocked the roads back to Washington.

Hank Elliott, our interpreter guide helped bring alive the events that took place on the battlefield. He related how during this battle Gen. Thomas J. Jackson rallied his troops to hold their position, causing Gen. Barnard Bee to shout, “There stands Jackson like a stone wall!” Jackson survived the battle; however, Gen. Bee did not. A statue of Jackson overlooks the battlefield where the rebuilt Henry House stands. It is where the first civilian was killed during the battle. Mrs. Judith Carter Henry, in her 80s and bedridden, refused to leave her home during the battle and was killed by a bullet meant for the snipers.

Stunned by the impact of war, we went into the small town of Manassas. The Battle of Bull Run is also called the Battle of Manassas. While wandering the historical downtown area we saw the sign “Java Roo: Kicking Coffee.” That was just what we needed, a place to sit and relax over a specialty coffee before continuing on our tour. Deciding what to get was difficult. With chocolate always on his mind, John chose the expresso-based Cafe Mocha with gourmet chocolate and whipped cream. “Ah, a purist,” said Andrew when I asked for a Cafe Americano – expresso with hot water. Just watching the ladies on the couch chatting and a young man at one of the tables working on his laptop helped to wash away the realities of war. We inhaled the wonderful coffee aroma and as we savored our coffee thoughts of the horror of American’s Greatest War were replaced by appreciation for the wonderful restoration of Manassas’ historic Main Street. A coffee break is the perfect way to transition from one thought process to another, or from one activity to another. Rejuvenated we set out to explore Old Town Manassas that has retained a charming small town feel.

We walked up to the small Manassas Museum that contains a wealth of information regarding the history and culture of Manassas and the Northern Virginia Region with displays of prehistoric tools, Civil War weapons, uniforms, railroad memorabilia, photographic collections, and more. One display highlights the first peace rally in the US. It was held in Manassas in 1911, fifty years after the First Battle of Bull Run. Pres. William H. Taft commemorated the event with speeches. As part of the annual Fall Jubilee a Peace Jubilee was held bringing together Civil War Veterans, both Union and Confederate. As the guide, Margaret Binning explained, “They shook hands with one another symbolizing the end of animosity.” That seemed like the perfect way to end a day trip to Manassas – the town and the battlefield.

For more information check www.visitpwc.com.

Sandra Scott is a frequent contributor to travel publications and to Copley News Service and has co-authored two books on local history. She lives in Mexico, NY.
Photos by J. J. Scott.

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