Tours and History Talks
2026 Color Bearer Conference
September Suspense: Lincoln's Union in Peril with Dennis Frye
We celebrate Abraham Lincoln in marble. We applaud him as our greatest president. Not so . . . in 1862. Learn more about this pivotal time in American history and Lincoln's presidency with acclaimed author and historian Dennis Frye.
Henry House Hill at Manassas: An Overview Walking Tour
Are you unfamiliar with the story of Manassas? That's okay. Join Sarah Kay Bierle for an overview walking tour of Henry House Hill. The hill hosted two major engagements during the Civil War, and it is where Thomas J. Jackson earned his nickname "Stonewall."
Historian: Sarah Kay Bierle
Sites Included:
- Henry House Hill
- Manassas Battlefield Visitor Center
Walking Level-Light: Please expect less than two (2) miles of walking on this tour across rolling terrain, grass, and some potentially marshy ground.
PLEASE NOTE: PARTICIPANTS MUST TRANSPORT THEMSELVES TO AND FROM THE TOUR LOCATION. BUS TRANSPORTATION WILL NOT BE PROVIDED.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON HISTORY TALKS
1:30 - 2:30 PM The People's Army: The Life and Mind of the Army of the Potomac, with John Hennessy
A look at the evolving nature of the Army of the Potomac —its makeup, its changing nature, subordinate command, the army's relationship with the government it served and the populace at home, and how its internal culture and outlook on the war evolved over time, along with the war itself.
3:00 - 4:00 PM Battling for the Loudon Valley: Aldie, Upperville, and Middleburg, with Dan Davis
An often overlooked phase of the Gettysburg Campaign, the Loudon Valley actions of mid-June, 1863, kept the prying eyes of Federal cavalry away from the core of Lee's army as it moved north toward the Potomac River.
4:10 - 5:15 PM From Manassas through Antietam with the Iron Brigade...and no, it's not the brigade you're thinking of, with Dr. Thomas Clemens
Join Dr. Thomas Clemens for an examination of the "Iron Brigade," no, not that one, during their exploits from the Plains of Manassas to the rolling hills around Sharpsburg.
Return to Bull Run: The Battle of Second Manassas In-Depth
Join renowned author and historian John Hennessy for an exploration of the plains of Manassas, on ground twice bloodied by Northern and Southern armies.
Travel across key locations of the sprawling battlefield as the story unfolds from opening clashes to the dramatic Confederate counterattack that sent Union forces retreating toward Washington.
Expect a great mix of driving stops and short walks, plenty of time for questions, and a deeper understanding of why Second Manassas remains one of the most important—and overlooked—battles of the war.
Historian: John Hennessy
Sites Included:
- The Deep Cut
- Thoroughfare Gap
- Matthew's Hill
- And more...
Walking Level-Moderate: Please expect up to two (2) miles of walking on this tour across rolling terrain, grass, and some potentially marshy ground.
Antietam: Mystery, Myth & Machination
Whether you know much or little about Antietam, this tour will turn you upside down. A classic challenge of history's misconceptions with author and historian Dennis Frye.
Historian: Dennis Frye
Sites Included:
- The Cornfield
- The Bloody Lane
- Burnside Bridge
- And more...
Walking Level-Moderate: Please expect up to two (2) miles of walking on this tour across rolling terrain, grass, and some potentially marshy ground.
Footsteps, Fighting, Photographers, and Folklore at Antietam
There is no better way to see a battlefield than in the footsteps of the soldiers and photographers, on the ground where it happened. Join the Trust’s chief historian, Garry Adelman, and the Trust's director of education, Kristopher D. White, for a mixed bus/walking/hiking tour of the Antietam Battlefield. This tour takes participants through the fighting, photos, myth, and legend at the scenes of the famous fights, including the Cornfield, West Woods, Dunker Church, Hagerstown Pike, Mumma Farms, the Bloody Lane, Burnside Bridge, and more.
Historians: Garry Adelman & Kristopher D. White
Sites Included:
- Bloody Lane
- Burnside Bridge
- West Woods
- And more...
Walking Level-Heavy: Expect at least 3.5 miles of walking in segments up to 1,000 yards each, plus optional arms for those who may wish to hike more. Surfaces range from grassy (dotted with ruts and groundhog holes) to hard surfaces with a couple of substantial elevations, namely for those who want to walk down to Burnside Bridge. Those with canes, walkers, or wheelchairs should select another tour.
Iron vs Stone: Brawner Farm, Thoroughfare Gap, and Kettle Run
In August of 1862, after a series of maneuvers from Richmond to Culpeper, the Army of Northern Virginia sought to destroy the new Army of Virginia under John Pope. Within 24 hours, a series of battles set the stage for the bloody three-day battle on the plains of Manassas. This tour will cover the strategic battles of August 27 and 28 at Thoroughfare Gap, Kettle Run, Brawner Farm, and more.
Historians: Bill Backus and Rob Orrison
Sites Included:
- Brawner's Farm
- Kettle Run
- Thoroughfare Gap
- And more...
Walking Level-Light: Please expect up to 3 miles of walking on this tour across rolling terrain, grass, and some potentially marshy ground.
Highlights of Antietam: An Overview of America's Bloodiest Day
Join author and Antietam Licensed Battlefield Guide Kevin Pawlak for a visit to the Antietam Battlefield. You'll hear the stories of heroism and horror as you visit the iconic sites associated with America's bloodiest day.
Historian: Kevin Pawlak
Sites Included:
- The Cornfield
- The Bloody Lane
- Burnside Bridge
- And more...
Walking Level-Moderate: Please expect up to two (2) miles of walking on this tour across rolling terrain, grass, and some potentially marshy ground.
Out Flew the Sabres: The Battle of Brandy Station
Saddle up for an exciting tour of the largest cavalry battle ever fought on American soil! Travel across the rolling fields and key landmarks where thousands of Union and Confederate horsemen clashed in a fast-moving fight that changed the course of the Civil War’s cavalry war.
This engaging, on-and-off-the-bus experience will take you to the most important locations of the battlefield, offering a front-row seat to the daring charges, close calls, and commanding decisions that made Brandy Station a true turning point in 1863.
Visit land preserved by the members and donors of the American Battlefield Trust.
Historian: Dan Davis
Sites Included:
- St. James Church
- Fleetwood Hill
- Buford's Knoll
- And more...
Walking Level-Moderate: Please expect up to two (2) miles of walking on this tour across rolling terrain, grass, and some potentially marshy ground.
Harpers Ferry: Lee's Achilles
General Lee informed President Davis he intended to target Pennsylvania in September 1862! A threatening nuisance at Harpers Ferry hampered Lee's invasion plans. This cost the Confederacy its best chance for independence.
Historian: Dennis Frye
Sites Included:
- John Brown's Fort
- Confluence of the Rivers
- Shenandoah Street
- And more...
Walking Level-Moderate: Please expect up to two (2) miles of walking on this tour across rolling terrain, grass, sidewalks, and cobblestone streets.
First Battle of Manassas: An End to Innocence
The First Battle of Bull Run (First Manassas) was the clash that shattered expectations and showed the nation just how long and hard the Civil War would be.
Join author and historian John Hennessy as he takes you to key sites across the Manassas Battlefield, where green troops, bold commanders, and battlefield confusion collided in a dramatic first test of arms. From the fighting along Bull Run to the stand on Henry Hill, you’ll follow the action step-by-step and discover why this battle set the stage for the bloodletting to come.
Historian: John Hennessy
Sites Included:
- The Stone Bridge
- Henry House Hill
- Matthews Hill
- And more...
Walking Level-Moderate: Please expect up to two (2) miles of walking on this tour across rolling terrain, farmers' fields, grasslands, and some potentially marshy ground.
Lee’s Last Offensive: The Battle of Bristoe Station
In the fall of 1863, the Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of the Potomac returned to northern Virginia. Lee’s attempt to retake the offensive ended in the Battle of Bristoe Station on October 14, 1863. This tour will visit the Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park and newly acquired land by the American Battlefield Trust.
Historians: Rob Orrison and Kevin Pawlak
Sites Included:
- Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park
- American Battlefield Trust Land
- And more...
Walking Level-Heavy: Please expect up to two (2) miles of walking on this tour across relatively flat land.
Becoming Stonewall: Jackson at Manassas
You know his nickname "Stonewall", but do you know how he earned that nom de guerre? Who actually said what, and was it a compliment or an insult? The origin of “Stonewall” has become shrouded in legend and questions. Walk the ground where the legend was born and sort through the facts and fictions of one of history’s most famous nicknames. Join author, historian, and Stonewall Jackson fanboy, Chris Mackowski, and Trust Director of Education Kristopher White, as they examine the transformation from Thomas Jackson into Stonewall Jackson. Myth meets reality on the Plains of Manassas.
Historians: Chris Mackowski & Kristopher D. White
Sites Included:
- Henry House Hill
- Manassas National Battlefield Park
- And more...
Walking Level-Light: Please expect less than two (2) miles of walking across rolling terrain.
Garry Adelman Photo Extravaganza: History Talk
Join Garry for a fun and fast-paced exploration of Civil War photos from the Washington, D.C., area. He'll explore everything from the Capitol Dome under construction to the "explosive" post-war photographs of Manassas. It's an experience that you don't want to miss!
Historians: Garry Adelman
Please note: Garry's Photo Extravaganza is not a tour; it is a history talk.
