Civil War re-enactors perform at a re-enactment of the First Battle of Bull Run in Manassas, Va. (Associated Press)MAJOR ANNIVERSARIES2012* April 6-7 – Battle of Shiloh* April 12 – Great Locomotive Chase from Kennesaw to Ringgold* Aug. 29-30 – Second Bull Run/Manassas battle* Sept. 17 – Battle of Antietam* Dec. 13 – Battle of Fredricksburg2013* Jan. 1 – Lincoln issues Emancipation Proclamation* May 1-4 – Battle of Chancellorsville* July 1-3 – Battle of Gettysburg* July 4 – Vicksburg falls* Sept. 19-20 – Battle of Chickamauga2014* June 27 – Battle of Kennesaw Mountain* Sept. 2 – Union Gen. Sherman captures Atlanta2015* April 9 – Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union Gen. Ulysses S. GrantSources: National Park Service, historyplace.com
In July 1861, when Union and Confederate troops clashed for the first big battle of the war near Manassas Junction, Va., both sides learned important lessons about tactics, strategy and logistics of the new war.
After the Manassas area handled an onslaught of tourists for the battle’s 150th anniversary last weekend, areas around other battlefields, including Chickamauga, learned less-bloody lessons for their upcoming anniversaries.
“Go ahead and stock up on water, stock up on food, make sure you have plenty of everything,” said Juan Veloso, manager at Old Towne Sports Pub in Manassas, giving advice to local eateries.
Many hotels and restaurants such as Veloso’s had their tables and rooms full of Civil War enthusiasts in town for the anniversary, re-enactment and other events.