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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
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Located in a "typical" geocaching hide spot, near to free parking and a site of local historical interest, especially to Civil War buffs. The terrain is minimal, though the lack of paved walking paths probably precludes a true handicapped-accesible designation. This cache is meant to be a simple find, with the "payoff" being a chance to learn some interesting history in an area being thoroughly developed and "modernized,"
The container is a pretty standard plastic lock-and-lock of sufficient size to hold a logbook and small trade items and trackables. When properly re-placed, the cache is not easily visible directly, and we request that finders attempt to re-place the cache thoughtfully after their find.
Conner House is a local landmark and in the process of being historicaly preserved and restored to allow public enjoyment of the site at a future date. At present, there is a well-built metal fence surrounding the restoration area, and the public is not allowed inside the fence. Please respect this boundary, and be aware that this cache is nowhere near to, or involved with the fence.
During the Civil War, Conner House was known as "Bloom's Grove," and served as the HQ of Confederate general Joseph E. Johnston from July to November 1861. Victorious at the nearby Battle of First Manassas, the Confederates remained in the Manassas area throughout the winter, leaving in March 1862 to meet Federal threat on Richmond. Conner House was occupied by the Federal army in August, 1862 and served as the HQ of the 12th Pennsylvania Cavalry in the weeks leading up the the Battle of Second Manassas in late August. Pre-battle actions in the Manassas area involved the Conner House, with elements of the approaching Confederate army clashing with the Pennsylvanians in front of this house. The Pennsylvanian's commandeing officer, Colonel Lewis B. Pierce was laying ill inside the house when General Isaac R. Trimble's Confederates attacked here on the night of August 26, and was fortunate to make his escape before the southerners overran the house and grounds.
During the war, Conner House was often referred to as the Yellow Hospital, and served as a field hospital in addition to it's use as a unit HQ. After the war, the property and surrounding lands were owned by a succession of men, including Butlers, Greenes, Rickards, Bennetts, and Rouses, eventually being purchased by E. R. Conner, and became the center of a 400 acre dairy farm, one of the largest in Prince William county. The property remained with the Conner family from 1914-73, and Conner House was occupied until 1968. In 1971, the Conner farm was divided, with the largest portion being sold to Prince William County School Board, who had all the farm structures except for Conner House demolished.
In 1973, the Town(now City) of Manassas Park purchased Conner House and it's lawn. The Manassas Park's Woman's Club and other concerned citizens kept the derelict Conner House from being demolished, and with the support of the City of Manassas Park, are working to have it restored. Conner House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
Happy Hunting!
Congratulations to the team of TopThrill13, Friendofthefae, and Ohs2gmu on their joint First To Find!
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)