Davis Tract Ceremony

Last update
Apr 22, 2007

THE CEREMONY:
Dr. Robert K. Sutton, Superintendent of the Manassas National Battlefield Park hosted representatives of the Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT) and the local community who were responsible for acquiring and safeguarding the historic site commonly known as the Davis Tract. On that sunny August morning, officials, major contributors, and well-wishers gathered to honor the effort, sacrifice and persistence that culminated in successfully preserving the Davis Tract for eventual inclusion in the Manassas Battlefield.

James Lighthizer
Pres.: CWPT

Jack Hermansen
Pres.: Sudley Mountain / Stony Ridge Civic Assoc.

Bob Sutton Jack Hermansen James Lighthizer

THE PLAQUE:
The Davis Tract Plaque now hangs in the foyer separating the Henry Hill Visitor Center and the Eastern Book Store. The Plaque consists of three parts:

A battle map depicting the Union assault during Second Manassas that drove Confederate forces back onto this historic land.
A text describing this phase of the battle.
The names of significant donors who contributed to the preservation of the Davis Tract.

The Davis Tract Plaque

The Text

The Civil War Preservation Trust and The Sudley Mountain / Stony Ridge Civic Association

proudly present this plaque as an expression of appreciation for the generosity of the Individuals and organizations named hereon. Their donations substantially contributed to the preservation of the historic property known as the Davis Tract.

The Davis Tract (shown in yellow on the map at the left) was the scene of some of the most vicious fighting during the Battle of Second Manassas. Late in the afternoon of the second day of the battle, Union General Kearney launched an attack against the Confederate defensive position along the unfinished railroad. The Federal assault succeeded in driving the Rebels back across the country road known today as Featherbed Lane, and onto the Davis Tract. This gallant effort was not supported, and Stonewall Jackson's Confederates were able to repulse the attack and reestablish their defensive line.

The Friends of Manassas National Battlefield Park also thank the National Park Service and the Manassas National Battlefield Park for displaying this plaque in the Park Visitor Center.

THOSE WHO HAVE HELPED TO MAKE THIS POSSIBLE
are acknowledged below for their substantial financial contributions in support of this historic preservation effort

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bertrand
John B. Bradshaw
Claude "Brad" & Carolyn Bradshaw
Childs F. Burden
Jaime & Letitia Del Pilar, M.D.
William & Pauline Gollaher
Gregory Lee Gorham
The John C. Hermansen Family
Craig Howell
Interstate Van Lines
William E. Kilbourne, III
Mrs. Gilbert A. Lekander
In Memoriam Gilbert Lekander
Bill & Karen Marshall
In Memoriam Eugene Maruszewski
Robert and Nancy Moler
Hilda R.W. & John J. Pickeral, Jr.
Fred & Michelle Potter and Family
Mr. & Mrs. Randy Ridley
Save the Battlefield Coalition
Richard Squires
Eugene Suarez, Sr. & Marie Foreman
Charlotte & Jim Turner
Jane and Burt Udelson