Civil War

When the Civil War came to Robinson farm with the first and second Battles of Manassas in 1861 and 1862, the family experienced the devastation of the Civil War firsthand.  Robinson was known in the community as a “Union man,” and hoped for a Union victory over the Confederacy. Though he had managed to create a place for himself within the slave system as a free black man, Robinson’s support for the Union shows that he still wanted to see the end of slavery. Despite his support for the Union, Robinson likely was fearful and perhaps even resentful of two major battles of the Civil War raging on and around his property.

Robinson house farm was located near Manassas Junction railroad. Manassas Junction was a strategically important supply line for both Union and Confederate troops, where the Orange and Alexandria railroads came together. Because of this Manassas Junction and its nearby fields would become the location of the first major battle of the Civil War in July of 1861. In addition to being near these key railroad lines, Robinson’s farm was also positioned along the Warrenton Turnpike. Being so close to two major modes of transportation used by the approaching armies all but guaranteed that the Robinson house and farm would be affected by the battles.