Like many good authors, she has amazing stories to tell, many of which take place within her own real life.  Giving this a listen is highly recommended, and should in fact be submitted to mainstream news sources for consideration.  Yes, it’s that good.

Link to radio interview:  http://generationgratitudeshow.com/shows/being-grateful-with-katherine-gotthardt/#.UZAbdGTD9nB

The Ruth E. Lloyd Information Center for Genealogy and Local History (RELIC), Prince William Public Library System, Bull Run Regional Library, 8051 Ashton Avenue, Manassas, VA 20109.  703-792-4540  Email: relic2@pwcgov.org.

Pleased that Prospero’s Books has invited me back for a book signing and more this Saturday, May 4, from noon-2 p.m.  I will be signing all four of my books; plus I will have my art note-cards and magnets. Books, cards and magnets will be on sale for less than list price!  Come on out and help support your local independent book store.  There are not many of those left.

9129 Center Street, Manassas, Virginia, 20110 Phone: 703-257-7895

My Books

Weaker Than Water

Poems from the Battlefield

Approaching Felonias Park

Furbily-Furld Takes on the World

You can see my note-cards here. 

History of Pageland Lane and the Many Battles of Bull Run
(as told by Page Snyder)

Pageland Lane existed many years prior to the Civil War. There were a few landowners who used the road for their homes and large farms and there are several family and slave cemeteries still located at properties along the lane.

There are unknown numbers of Civil War soldiers buried on private property close to, adjacent to, and on the Brawner Farm. On Pageland Farm, one of the front fields along the lane has what is historically thought to be a mass burial site for Confederate soldiers. During the Second Battle of Manassas there was a deadly measles epidemic that took the lives of many soldiers, most buried where they died in scattered, unmarked graves on the same properties. “When the men walked solemnly back to Pageland and reached their camp, they thought their short journey had showed them the worst of war. They had no idea of the far worse horrors yet to come.” Over the years, metal detectors have found just about every conceivable piece of Civil War artifact: from belt buckles and buttons, to shell casings and minie balls, as well as arrowheads and Indian artifacts from well before the Civil War. These have been found on private property since metal detecting is illegal within the boundaries of the Park.

There were many other battles of Bull Run, all of which were to protect historically significant battlefields that had not been included in the original Park boundaries. In the 1960’s, Annie Snyder (later dubbed the “Angel of Manassas”) led the “third battle of Bull Run” which was to save the then privately-owned Brawner Farm from becoming an auto racetrack. The fourth battle was waged over the same ground when Marriott wanted to turn it into the “Great America Theme Park”. In the 1980’s Annie led the charge for the fifth time to save Stuart’s Hill from becoming a huge mall and in the 90’s the sixth battle was fought against Disney. The last 2 battles were so significant, they garnered support from people in every state of the union and many foreign countries, as well as celebrities and dignitaries. The victory over the Mall set historic preservation precedent and continues to be considered the blueprint and gold standard for all future battles.

Currently, there are two registered VA historic properties privately owned directly across from Brawner Farm – they are Honeywood Farm and Pageland Farm. In the summer of 2011, Pageland Farm donated its use for the reeenactment of the 150th anniversary of the Second Battle. Both Pageland and Honeywood are included in the Manassas Battlefield Park Historic District because of their historical significance. A third farm, Soldier’s Rest which is adjacent to Brawner, is currently in the process of applying for historic registry. The Second Battle of Manassas/Bull Run was fought in part on Brawner Farm, the Historic District, and Pageland Lane was used for troop movement. The proposed route of the Tri-County Parkway will cut a swath through Soldier’s Rest, Pageland Farm, and through part of Brawner Farm.

Pageland Lane has seen it’s share of history unfold. Soon it may become a road to ruin. Studies indicate that the Tri-County Parkway, which obliterates Pageland, will have minimal effect on relieving current traffic congestion. Instead this road will trigger increased traffic in our area, especially along 66 and on nearby secondary roads. It will contribute to sprawl by opening huge tracts of land to development. As one NoVa developer put it, “I build things. It is the job of taxpayers to pay for the infrastructure that supports what I build.” Hmmm….

Note: a petition against the proposed Tri-County Parkway can be found at http://www.surveymonkey.com/S/35L2DLR

Liberia Plantation has been named to the National Historic Register, the Virginia Landmarks Register, and is being recognized during Virginia’s Year of the Historic Home, but its captivating story has never been the subject of an exhibit until now.

Built in 1825, Liberia was one of the most prosperous and largest plantations in the region. During the Civil War, Liberia served as headquarters for both Confederate and Union forces and was visited by Jefferson Davis and AbrahamLincoln. After the devastation of the war, Liberia was transformed into a successful dairy farm and became home to the Breeden family, who later donated the property to The City of Manassas.

Enduring Legacy details the establishment of the plantation by the Weir family and their ties to the wealthy and influential Carter family of Virginia. The exhibit explores the conflicting attitudes about slavery within the family,despite owning nearly 90 slaves, and what happened to the family and their slaves when the home was occupied by Civil War troops. Period furnishings, Civil War artifacts, and ledgers from Liberia’s time as a dairy farm are also included.

The exhibit features a hands-on experience for children and adults, including an activity with a cipher disk – a Civil War spy tool. The exhibit also describes architectural features, construction of the home, and more about the home’s original owners.

The Manassas Museum has restored parts of the exterior of the house, with the help of generous Museum supporters, and hosts tours and special events on site. Recently, a Citizens Advisory Committee recommended a master plan for the site. This will provide direction for future restoration.

“We are very excited to be able to offer this new exhibition on Liberia – one of the most important historic sites in the City of Manassas,” said Museum Curator Mary Helen Dellinger.  “The home and surrounding property are rich in history and this exhibit will help tell that story.  Three other museums and one private collector have loaned objects for this show and the staff has reproduced numerous images from the collection at the Library of Congress to make the show one of the best offered by the Manassas Museum.”

As part of this exhibition, the Museum will unveil the landscape plan for the property, step one in the restoration of the grounds and house.

Enduring Legacy is free with admission, and is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A companion book that benefits Liberia restoration, Liberia, Sentry of the Ages, and various commemorative gifts are available at Echoes, the Museum Store.

Patty Prince
Communications Coordinator
703-257-8456
703-895-6535
www.manassascity.org/facebook
www.twitter.com/cityofmanassas
www.flickr.com/photos/cityofmanassas
www.manassascity.org

12229 Bristow Road, Brentsville, VA 20136

(703) 365-7895

April 20, 2013

1:00 p.m.

$5 per person

Children under 6 free

NO PETS PLEASE

Take a walk with Master Gardner and wildflower aficionado, Jeannie Couch as she describes Virginia’s Spring wildflowers along a 1 mile nature trail. Dress for the weather including comfortable walking shoes. Jeannie will provide magnifying loops so you can really see the details of the flowers along the way and you will receive handouts with the flowers pictures and names. No pets please.

Prince William County Department of Public Works

Historic Preservation Division

http://www.pwcgov.org/historicpreservation historicpreservation@pwcgov.org