Reenacting the Battle of Bull Run

Reenactors meet in Manassas to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Bull Run, the first major engagement of the Civil War.

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July 23, 2011

Reenactors and spectators came together in Gainesville, Va., for the reenactment of the Battle of Bull Run. An estimated 11,000 spectators watched the clash from the bleachers.

Amanda Voisard / THE WASHINGTON POST

July 23, 2011

A reenactor offers up a drink in a ladle. Organizers offered cooling stations, misting tents, 35,000 bottles of free water and air-conditioned shuttle buses.

Amanda Voisard / THE WASHINGTON POST

July 23, 2011

An aerial view shows tents and the battlefield on Pageland Farm. Other attractions off of the battlefield grounds included talks about Union military strategy, demonstrations of period crafts and an exhibit about the lives of former slaves after the war.

Tracy A. Woodward / THE WASHINGTON POST

July 23, 2011

Union soldiers head into battle. The reenactment was scheduled for 7 a.m. to 3 a.m.

Jahi Chikwendiu / THE WASHINGTON POST

July 23, 2011

Civil War reenactors prepare for battle.

Jahi Chikwendiu / THE WASHINGTON POST

July 23, 2011

Soldiers charge into battle on their horses. The battle was the first major clash during the Civil War.

Amanda Voisard / THE WASHINGTON POST

July 23, 2011

Soldiers head into battle.

Amanda Voisard / THE WASHINGTON POST

July 23, 2011

The battle, seen from above, is underway.

Tracy A Woodward / THE WASHINGTON POST

July 23, 2011

Reenactors cool off after the action.

Jahi Chikwendiu / THE WASHINGTON POST

July 23, 2011

Many of the soldiers wore wool period uniforms and placed ice cubs on their heads beneath their caps to keep cool.

Jahi Chikwendiu / THE WASHINGTON POST

July 23, 2011

An estimated 8,700 Civil War reenactors participated.

Amanda Voisard / THE WASHINGTON POST

July 23, 2011

Reenactors seek shade under the trees at the edge of the battlefield.

Amanda Voisard / THE WASHINGTON POST

July 21, 2011

Dressed as a Confederate soldier, Stephen Dunn takes part in a Battle of Bull Run anniversary event at the Old Manassas Courthouse.

/ Matt McClain for The Washington Post

July 21, 2011

Nancy Lindren, a volunteer for Historic Manassas, walks the streets with other volunteers as part of the Battle of Bull Run anniversary events.

/ Matt McClain for The Washington Post

July 21, 2011

Lynne Trace, in foreground, dances with her husband, Jeff Trace, to Civil War period music at Harris Pavilion in Manassas.

/ Matt McClain for The Washington Post

July 21, 2011

Brynn Mueller is seen through her parasol during the dancing at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas.

/ Matt McClain for The Washington Post

July 21, 2011

On a blistering hot day, Mike Sipes of Hanover, Pa., aims a cooling spray of water at his horse, Rachel. He is one of the many reenactors on hand for Battle of Bull Run anniversary events, which are scheduled to run through Sunday.

/ Matt McClain For The Washington Post

July 21, 2011

Joseph Leisch Jr. of Berryville, Va., who portrays President Abraham Lincoln, reacts to the heat during a reenactment at the Old Manassas Courthouse.

/ Matt McClain for The Washington Post

July 21, 2011

Clockwise from front, Karen Russell, Carol Polkinghorne, Kristen Kirschner, Janet Arone and Beverly Pelcher (Pelcher's hand shows at right) have lunch in Manassas. They have come for the 150th anniversary Battle of Bull Run events.

/ Matt McClain For The Washington Post

July 18, 2011

Employees of Historic Manassas build a set in preparation for the Battle of Bull Run 150th anniversary.

Sarah L. Voisin / The Washington Post

July 18, 2011

Ian S.A. Campbell, a historic interpreter from New Orleans, is playing a slave during the Battle of Bull Run anniversary events.

Sarah L. Voisin / The Washington Post

July 18, 2011

Employees from Historic Manassas look over a wooden Quaker gun mounted at one of the battle reenactment sets. Confederate troops used the fake cannons to delay the Union advance during the Civil War. Mark Olsen is at left; Jose Rubio at right.

Sarah L. Voisin / The Washington Post

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