Travel to Manassas Battlefield June 18; Space is limited, RSVP ASAP

The National Press Club’s annual Civil War battlefield trip will be to nearby Manassas National Battlefield Park on Saturday, June 18. The visit is being made in connection with the sesquicentennial of the First Battle of Manassas on July 21, 1861.

Civil War expert Henry Elliott of the National Park Service will explain how the one-day engagement turned into a rout, with fleeing citizens joining retreating Union soldiers on the jammed road back to Washington. The Second Battle of Manassas in August 1862 will also be covered.

Club members and guests depart from the National Press Building by bus at 9 a.m., returning by 5 p.m. There is no charge for attendees, but Club members are limited to one guest each. Lunch is provided.

Reservations are required and can be made with Richard Meyer of the Travel Committee at 703-356-6884.

As in past years, the trip is being hosted by the Civil War Trust via a payment-in-kind arrangement with the Club. Sesquicentennial visits are planned for Antietam in 2012 and Gettysburg in 2013.