 In July 1861, the First Battle of Manassas—also known as the First Battle of Bull Run—was fought nearby, the first major land battle of the American Civil War.Manassas commemorated the 150th anniversary of the First Battle of Manassas on July 21–24, 2011.The Second Battle of Manassas (or the Second Battle of Bull Run) was fought near Manassas on August 28–30, 1862.