Military Base at Centreville

Centreville was used as a military base location during the Civil War by both sides of the nation. It was near the junction of two major railroads, the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, and was near the nation's capital making it a prime strategic location for both sides. Prior to the First Battle of Bull Run in 1861, there was a skirmish between Union soldiers led by Irvin McDowell and Confederates led by James Longstreet. This then turned the town into a medical haven for wounded soldiers, with homes, hotels, and the church being used as hospitals. For the next year or so, the village served as a base for Confederates until spring of 1862 when it was occupied by the Union for most of the remainder of the war. By the end, Centreville was devastated from the battles and occupation.