Dranesville: A Northern Virginia Town in the Crossfire of a Forgotten Battle, December 20, 1861

Here for the first time, shared through the eyes of those who lived it, is the story of Dranesville and the early war in Northern Virginia.

After the guns of Manassas fell silent, the opposing armies grappled for position wondering what would come next. Popular history has us believe it was “All quiet along the Potomac.” Reality was altogether different.

The fall and early winter of 1861 was a hotbed of activity that culminated in the December combat at Dranesville. The Union victory, althoug...