The Unfinished Railroad Tour

Second Battle of Bull Run

If it’s early November, odds are, you’ll find me traipsing across a Civil War battlefield on a Saturday.

I usually do this on the weekend nearest to Veterans Day. But today was an opportunity to be guided on a tour of the unfinished railroad, a four mile stretch that was the focal point of much of the Second Battle of Bull Run (or Second Battle of Manassas, depending on which side you were on), by the premier expert of that battle, John J. Hennessy, who literally wrote the book on it (Return to Bull Run).

At a critical point along the battle line, a point where the confederates bent considerably, but did not break. John Hennessy on the right.

I’d taken a tour of the First Battle of Manassas with John last spring, so had been looking forward to this one all year. I’d almost forgotten all about it, but my friend and fellow Civil War battlefield buff, Doug, reminded me yesterday, and after checking my calendar, I was in.

My friend Doug on the immediate right.

We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day for the tour. Our friend Rich, who was along for the previous tour as well, also joined us, along with a group of about 25 others.

I learned a lot more about that battle than I previously knew, but the best part was just spending a fine, early November morning, walking on hallowed grounds, enjoying the extreme sense of peace that now permeates what was once a hotly contested piece of real estate. That’s all I have to say about the day — I’ll let the pictures tell the rest of the tale.

Start of the tour

John Hennessey, premier Civil War historian, sets the scene for the 2nd Battle of Bull Run. Today’s tour will follow the unfinished railroad through the scenes of the battle.

Early November is about the best time to take a tour like this, and this day did not disappoint

This man is more knowledgable and passionate about the subject matter than just about anyone. He literally wrote the book on the Second Battle of Bull Run (author of “Return to Bull Run”, and “The End of Innocense — First Bull Run”)

The unfinished railroad cut

Scene of the bloodiest part of the battle

A day well-spent.