Provided by Prince William County Historic Preservation
In a major step forward for historic preservation, Prince William County has officially acquired 22 acres of core battlefield land at Bristoe Station to be incorporated into Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park. The acquisition, finalized on Aug. 14, 2025, protects core battlefield land that witnessed combat during both the Battle of Kettle Run (Aug. 27, 1862) and the Battle of Bristoe Station (Oct. 14, 1863).
Originally purchased by the American Battlefield Trust in late 2021, the property is bordered by Bristow Road and the Norfolk Southern rail line and holds significant historical value.
“The Trust is grateful to have a strong ally and steward in Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park,” said David N. Duncan, President of the American Battlefield Trust. “The inclusion and interpretation of this further acreage into its existing holdings will enhance learning opportunities for visitors and ensure a comprehensive strategy for care of the site.”
In 1862, soldiers of the 60th Georgia took up positions along the railroad on this ground, engaging Union troops in fierce fighting that included a hand-to-hand struggle over the regiment’s flag. In October 1863, Union troops from New York charged across the same fields under fire. They reached the safety of the railroad embankment. Backed up by Union artillery on the property, they repulsed the Confederate attack at Bristoe Station.
This newly preserved land is the latest addition to Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, which opened to the public in 2007 and now encompasses more than 160 acres. The park currently features three miles of interpretive walking trails that explore the site’s two Civil War battles and the area’s military encampments from 1861 to 1865.
“Because Prince William County is rich in nearly 300 years of American history, it is important that we preserve the sites that tell the stories of our country’s past from every era, including the Civil War,” said Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair Deshundra Jefferson. “Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park is one of those places where we can see how far we have come since the Founders stated their goal of creating a more perfect union and the bloody, costly battles fought on our own soil to do so. Even as we continue to make progress, we still need these physical reminders that, as the saying goes, a house divided cannot stand.”
“This is an exciting day for Prince William County. The preservation of the Rollins Farm and its historical significance extends the Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park across Norfolk Southern’s tracks to the east, offering more opportunities for exploration, learning and recreation” said Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy. “I greatly appreciate the collaboration between Prince William County Parks Department’s Office of Historical Preservation and the American Battlefield Trust to purchase and preserve this important piece of history for our county and nation.”
Prince William County plans to restore the newly acquired parcel to its 1863 appearance and develop a trail system to enhance visitor access and interpretation.
For more information on Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, visit pwcva.gov/bristoe.
