The closest Civil War battle to Oak Hill occurred in Chantilly on September 1, 1862. Commemorate the battle at Ox Hill Battlefield Park on Saturday, September 1st. The park is located at 4134 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA. Parking is not available in sufficient quantity for this event at r the park, so take the shuttle from the Fairfax Government Center.
It has been 150 years since this country was at war with itself. In the only major Civil War battle fought in Fairfax County nearly 1,500 soldiers were killed or wounded during the Battle of Ox Hill (Chantilly) on September 1, 1862. Their patriotic sacrifices will be commemorated on Saturday, September 1, 2012 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. at Ox Hill Battlefield Park, 4134 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA.
Local officials will offer remarks, the Federal City Brass Band will perform Civil War songs, and there will also be special artillery battery demonstrations which will showcase the technology available at that time. Costumed reenactors will set up camp, conduct bayonet and rifle drills, and show what life was like for a 19th century soldier. Children will be able to craft an event souvenir, march with a wooden rifle, and visit with Col. Mosby’s horse. The commemorative event is free and open to the public.
Event parking will be available at the Fairfax County Government Center only. Free shuttle bus service will be provided throughout the day. For more information, please visit Ox Hill Battlefield online.
You don’t have to be a Civil War buff to be curious about the Battle of Chantilly (as called by the Union)/Ox Hill (as called by the Confederacy), the closest Civil War battle that occurred to Oak Hill.
This year is the 150th anniversary of the battle, which is largely lost to history. The battle occurred after the Second Battle of Manassas during a driving thunderstorm on September 2, 1862. Unfortunately, the battle has been largely paved over with the development of housing and shopping near Fair Oaks Mall and the Fairfax County Parkway. There were hundreds of Union and Confederate casualties as a result of this battle. About the only evidence of it is a small historic site on Monument Drive. In fact, Monument Drive was named to mark the monument site and the Battle of Chantilly/Ox Hill.
Local historian David Welker will review the battle, which is documented in his book, on Tuesday, May 8th at 7 PM at the Sully Plantation Historic Site off Sully Road (Route 28). If you are a local history buff, this event is a must! Please call 703-437-1794 to reserve a reservation. A $5 a person donation is requested.
Next year is the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Chantilly during the Civil War. Perhaps in preparation for the event, Sully Plantation (accessible near the Udvar Hazy Center on Sully Road) will be hosting a Confederate soldier encampment at the site tomorrow, December 17th:
At Sully Historic Site in Chantilly, on December 17, 2011 travel back to 1862. During that evening, the yard will be the scene of an encampment of Confederate soldiers while inside residents prepare to celebrate Christmas.
Following their victory at the first Battle of Manassas in July, Chantilly was in the hands of the Confederate army. But, like soldiers today, even the holidays failed to provide a complete respite from the realities of combat. Although battles were rare during the winters of the Civil War, soldiers of both armies remained in their camps.
Members of the 28th and 42nd Virginia Regiments will set up their tents and gather around the campfire. The men will be preparing a holiday dinner such as could be assembled with army rations and food supplies obtained from local farmers. A turkey will be roasting over the fire and seasonal vegetables will complement the meal. Sgt. Michael Mescher of the 42nd Virginia will be displaying the contents of a box from home typical of those received by soldiers. The box from home was of the greatest interest at this time of year. Without spoiling the surprise for anyone planning to come to the Candlelight tours, the box contains an assortment of foods, articles of clothing to replace worn apparel as well as warm knitted items, sundry articles to help with soldiers’ daily lives, and a letter with news from home.
The Civil War Candlelight Tours are only featured this one night. The evening includes a tour of the house; a visit to the soldiers’ encampment; open hearth cooking; music by fiddler Michael McDonnell; ornament making and complimentary refreshments. The tours begin at 4:45 p.m. with the last tour at 7 p.m. Prepaid reservations are recommended. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and children. For additional information, contact Sully Historic Site at 703- 437-1794 or visit the web.