Battles of Manassas • Tour the Battlefield • Monuments • Facts • The Armies
The Battle Begins wayside marker is at the parking area at Brawner’s Farm, Stop One on the Manassas Battlefield Driving Tour.
The Battle Begins
Late on the afternoon of August 28, Brig. Gen. Rufus King’s division proceeded east towards Centreville. They marched in search of the elusive “Stonewall” Jackson, who was operating behind Union lines with half the Confederate army. As the head of the column passed the village of Groveton, Confederate artillery emerged from the woods and fired upon the unsuspecting Federals. Union troops turned to fight a fierce twilight battle near the Brawner Farm that began the three day battle of Second Manassas.
Second Battle of Manassas
Day One
August 28, 1862
Begin your tour at the Brawner Farm Interpretive Center. The facility, open seasonally, contains interpretive exhibits and audio-visual programs about the campaign. The Brawner Farm Loop Trail begins east of the house and follows the opposing battle lines of the August 28th engagement.
Location of “The Battle Begins” wayside marker
The wayside marker is on the east side of the parking lot for the Brawner Farm Interpretive Center, which can be reached from Lee Highway (US 29) by turning north on Pageland Lane for a half mile. There is a sign at the driveway for the Interpretive Center on the east side of the lane.