County historic properties remember vets in November

Candlelight tours, hikes through the woods, bus excursions and marshmallow roasts are some of the things coming up in November at the Prince William County’s historic properties, many remembering veterans.

Cockpit Point Tours – Nov. 3

Cockpit Point Civil War Park includes Civil War-era fortifications that were part of the Confederate blockade of the Potomac River in 1861 and 1862. The county’s History Properties Division will be leading tours of the park at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Nov. 3. The $20 tours include difficult terrain with off-trail hiking. Reservations are required; call 703-792-4754.

Early Days of Prince William County at Rippon Lodge – Nov. 10

Rippon Lodge, one of the county’s oldest homes, will host “Early Days of Prince William County” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 10. The event includes demonstrations portraying colonial life, life of enslaved African Americans, a military encampment from the American Revolution and the Native American cultures that once inhabited the area. Tours of the house as well as games and crafts for children and adults will occur throughout the day. Donations will be accepted. The house is located at 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge.

World War I and Prince William County Bus Tour – Nov. 10

World War I came to an end 100 years ago on Nov. 11, 1918. The war had an enormous impact on the country and our county. On Nov. 10, local historians will guide a bus tour to explore WWI military training sites, along with the final resting places of some of the fallen who were returned home to the area after the war. The tour is from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and costs $70, which includes lunch. Call the Brentsville Courthouse Historic Center at 703-365-7895 for reservations and details.

Candlelight Tour of Ben Lomond – Nov. 10

Ben Lomond’s grim history as a Civil War hospital after the Battle of the First Manassas will be on full display between 8-9 p.m. on Nov. 10. Special candlelight tours will take visitors though an immersive experience where they will hear, see and smell an active field hospital. Tours of the house, located at 10321 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas, will be conducted in nearly dark conditions and may not be suitable for young children. Call 703-367-7872 for more information.

Prince William County African American History and Culture Bus Tour – Nov. 17

The county has unique African-American history. Join local historians on Nov. 17 for the African American History and Culture Bus Tour where participants will step back in time from the 1800s to the 1960s. The tour will stop at many special – and some frequently forgotten – sites to talk about lifestyle, challenges and the power of education. The tour is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and costs $70, which includes lunch. Register at 703-365- 7895.

History by Campfire: Civil War Soldier’s Life – Nov. 30

History by Campfire will feature different activities where visitors will be able to see artifacts and hear from a special guest between 6-7:30 p.m. on Nov. 30, at Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas. See a musket demonstration and see how American Civil War Soldiers lived. Learn about the rations they ate and how their snacks compared to those people eat today. Admission is $5 per person and is free for children two and under.

– Submitted by Prince William County Historical Division