Ben Lomond Historic Site
Explore a 19th-century plantation house and Civil War hospital, featuring restored slave quarters and a beautiful rose garden.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Special events & tours
Ben Lomond Historic Site
Best Time
Special events & tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a 19th-century plantation house and Civil War hospital, featuring restored slave quarters and a beautiful rose garden.
"A hidden gem offering a fascinating glimpse into plantation life and Civil War history."
🎯 Ask for a Guided Tour
Highly recommended for an engaging and educational experience. Guides like Kevin and Mike are praised for their knowledge.
🌹 Enjoy the Free Gardens
The antique rose garden is beautiful and free to explore, especially lovely in summer.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main House Tour
Main Plantation House
Step back in time with an engaging tour of this 1832 plantation house, a former Civil War hospital.
Restored Slave Quarters
Slave Cabins
Explore intact slave cabins, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of those who lived and worked here.
Antique Rose Garden
Garden Area
Wander through a charming rose garden, a peaceful escape with historical significance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Guided Tour
Timing is Key for Gardens
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ask for a Guided Tour
Highly recommended for an engaging and educational experience. Guides like Kevin and Mike are praised for their knowledge. +1
🌹 Enjoy the Free Gardens
The antique rose garden is beautiful and free to explore, especially lovely in summer.
📜 Check Event Schedules
Look out for Civil War reenactments and hospital demonstrations for a unique historical immersion.
🚶♀️ Explore Original Roadbed
See the original roadbed used by Jackson's Brigade marching to the battlefield.
Bull Run/Manassas Visit Recommendations
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ask for a Guided Tour
Highly recommended for an engaging and educational experience. Guides like Kevin and Mike are praised for their knowledge. +1
🌹 Enjoy the Free Gardens
The antique rose garden is beautiful and free to explore, especially lovely in summer.
📜 Check Event Schedules
Look out for Civil War reenactments and hospital demonstrations for a unique historical immersion.
🚶♀️ Explore Original Roadbed
See the original roadbed used by Jackson's Brigade marching to the battlefield.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ben Lomond Historic Site as a hidden gem, highlighting its fascinating dual history as a plantation and Civil War hospital. The knowledgeable and engaging guided tours are a major draw, bringing the past to life. While the grounds and gardens are lovely, the true value lies in the immersive historical experience offered by the site and its dedicated staff.
"Tour inside the home is great experience. Hidden gem. Used as a hospital at 1st Manassas. Visit the slave quarters and see the original road bed that Jackson's Brigade used to march to the battlefield and to fame on July 21, 1861."
Tom Sassa
"This place is so fun, engaging, and educational. We loved the emphasis on touching, smelling, and playing with the variety of historical objects. Try to get a tour with Mike."
Matt Reid
"This site has two claims to history. It operated as a field hospital during the Battle of Bull Run, fought only a mile from this house. Additionally, it is a plantation that dates to the 1830’s. There are not many plantations where the slave cabins are intact; however, this is one. While here, take a look at the photos detailing the logistical hurdles of relocating the cabins. This house is remarkably well-preserved for being nearly 200 years old. Dave Born gave us a great tour. Be sure to ask for a guided tour. Also, if it is summertime, check out the beautiful gardens while you are here."
Joseph Bullen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ben Lomond Historic Site is located in Manassas, Virginia. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Many visitors mention it's part of a broader Prince William County historical exploration.
Yes, Ben Lomond is just a mile from the First Manassas battlefield, making it a convenient stop for those interested in the Civil War.
While specific directions vary, it's generally located within Manassas, VA. Using a GPS with 'Ben Lomond Historic Site, Manassas, VA' should guide you directly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Wandering the grounds and gardens is free. However, tours of the main house typically have a fee, around $5 per person, with children often free.
For general garden access, no booking is needed. For guided tours, it's advisable to check their website or call ahead, especially for special events, to ensure availability.
Opening hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's best to check the official Prince William County Parks & Recreation website for the most up-to-date information on hours and tour times.
No, the beautiful antique rose garden and grounds are free to access and enjoy.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can tour the 19th-century plantation house, explore the restored slave quarters, and wander through the antique rose garden. Special events often include Civil War reenactments.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended. Visitors consistently praise the guides for their knowledge and engaging presentation style. +1
Ben Lomond served as a Confederate hospital during the First Battle of Manassas (Bull Run) and is a well-preserved 19th-century plantation with intact slave cabins.
Yes, the site is engaging and educational. Some tours emphasize hands-on elements, making it interesting for younger visitors.
Absolutely! The grounds, including the rose garden and the area around the slave quarters, are free to explore at your own pace.
📸 📸 Photography
The antique rose garden offers beautiful floral shots, while the exterior of the main house and the slave quarters provide historical ambiance.
Photography policies inside historic buildings can vary. It's best to check with your tour guide or at the visitor center upon arrival.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider checking the site's event calendar for special Civil War reenactments or demonstrations, which can be particularly captivating for children. These events bring history to life in a dynamic way. While the historical context can be serious, the site's presentation aims to be accessible and informative for all ages.
📚 History Buffs
Don't miss the chance to see the original roadbed used by Jackson's Brigade, a direct link to the movements of the Civil War. The preservation of the slave quarters is particularly significant, offering a rare insight into the lives of enslaved people. Visiting Ben Lomond provides a nuanced understanding of both plantation life and the realities of the Civil War.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dual History of Ben Lomond
Beyond its wartime use, Ben Lomond is a valuable example of a working plantation. What makes it particularly noteworthy are the intact slave cabins, which provide a rare and direct look into the lives of the enslaved people who were integral to the plantation's operation. The site also preserves the original roadbed used by Confederate troops, adding another layer of historical context for visitors interested in military movements.
Visitors consistently praise the guided tours for bringing these histories to life. Guides are often described as knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate, making the experience both educational and memorable. The combination of plantation life and Civil War history makes Ben Lomond a compelling destination for history enthusiasts.
Exploring the Gardens and Grounds
Beyond the rose garden, visitors can explore the broader landscape, which includes the original roadbed that Confederate General Jackson's Brigade marched on their way to the First Battle of Manassas. This feature offers a tangible connection to the military events that unfolded nearby. The site's preservation efforts ensure that these elements of the past are accessible for visitors to experience firsthand.
Walking the grounds allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the site's context. It’s a chance to appreciate the natural beauty that coexisted with the historical events and daily life of the plantation. Many visitors find these outdoor spaces to be a relaxing and reflective part of their visit.
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