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Bristoe Station And Kettle Run Battlefields Preservation Study

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this Study is to document both the Bristoe Station and Kettle Run Battlefields and recommend preservation goals and strategies. Prince William County was awarded a grant through the American Battlefield Protection Program, a division of the National Park Service (NPS), to complete this study. Both battlefields are located near the intersection of Bristow Road and the Norfolk Southern Railway tracks. Prince William County contracted Commonwealth Heritage Group to conduct this study.

SCHEDULE

The preliminary meeting with local stakeholders was held on May 12, 2016.

The public meeting was held on May 25, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at Nokesville Volunteer Fire Station #5.  Click here for flyer.

BRIEF HISTORY

Prince William County is home to eight Civil War battlefields. The Battle of Kettle Run occurred on August 27, 1862, as part of the Confederate Army's Northern Virginia Campaign (June - September 1862). General Ewell's Division prevailed in a brisk rearguard action against General Hooker's Division. The successful Confederate action at Kettle Run allowed General Jackson to maximize his capture of the Union's supplies at Manassas Junction.

The Battle of Bristoe Station occurred on October 14, 1863. The battle was a result of the Confederate Army leaving their camps south of the Rappahannock River and initiating a flanking maneuver to the north. Their plan was to circle behind the Union Army, prevent them from reaching fortification in Centreville, and defeat them in open fields. The battle ensued when General A.P. Hill's corps stumbled upon elements of the Union Army which were marching near the Orange & Alexandria railroad embankments. The Union forces successfully fought off Heth's division and captured a battery of artillery. The Union forces continued their planned withdrawal to Centreville unmolested. Because of the battle, General Lee's Bristoe offensive sputtered to a premature halt.

DOCUMENTS

In October 2016 the consultant completed the Bristoe Station and Kettle Run Battlefields Preservation Study.  There was an information presentation to the Board of County Supervisors at 2 p.m. on October 18, 2016.  

For more information on the study contact Justin Patton, County Archaeologist, at [email protected]

Questions or comments?

Please note that under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, comments, including any personally identifiable information that is included in the comments, are subject to public inspection.

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