The Stone Bridge

The stone bridge is a bridge in Manassas, Virginia, spanning the Bull Run Creek originally built in 1825. It was an early focal point of the first major engagement of the Civil War, i.e., the First Battle of Manassas (as it was known in the south) or the First Battle of Bull Run (as it was known in the north).(1) The "historic first shot" was fired over the stone bridge in the early morning of July 21, 1861.(2)  The bridge was heavily damaged later in the war, but was rebuilt after the war according to the original design. Today, the stone bridge still carries foot traffic and is a focal point of the Manassas National Battlefield Park; a beautiful park with walking trails, horseback-riding trails, and a variety of wildlife.

                                                            

1. See https://www.nps.gov/mana/learn/historyculture/first-manassas.htm.

2. Hennessy, John, The First Battle of Manassas an end to Innocence July 18-21, 1861, p. 40 (2nd Ed., H.E. Howard, Inc. 1989).