First Manassas with Kevin Pawlak and Civil War Institute Historian Ryan Melinn, July 17, 2026 6:00PM

Item details

Date

July 17, 2026 6:00PM

Name

First Manassas with Kevin Pawlak and Civil War Institute Historian Ryan Melinn

Description

"There Will Never Be Another Battle": The Battle of First Manassas, July 18-21, 1861 

 

Before July 21, 1861, the United States had never experienced a day like that Sunday. By the end of the day—after roughly 12 hours of fighting near Manassas Junction—about 900 men lay dead and another 2,500 were wounded. When Americans, North and South, awoke on July 22, they had just passed through the bloodiest day in the young nation’s history. This talk will provide an overview of the military action along Bull Run between July 18 and 21, 1861, and explore the battle's importance as the Civil War's first major battle. 

 

Kevin Pawlak is a Historic Site Manager for the Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation. He is also a Licensed Battlefield Guide at Antietam National Battlefield, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, and South Mountain State Battlefield. Kevin serves on the Board of Directors of the Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association, the Save Historic Antietam Foundation, and the Antietam Institute, where he serves as the editor of The Antietam Journal. 
 
Previously, Kevin has worked or completed internships at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, The Papers of Abraham Lincoln at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, and the Mosby Heritage Area Association. 
 
Kevin is the author of eight books on the American Civil War, including three books in the Emerging Civil War Series. His latest book, "There Will Never Be Another Battle": The Battle of First Manassas, July 18-21, 1861, will be released in 2027. 

 

Please note:

• Ticket holders may drive directly to the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital for this program.
• We will not enter the wetland itself, but conditions may be wet or muddy. Appropriate footwear and weather-appropriate attire are recommended.

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