In this 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, battlefields are seeing a surge of tourists and interest. While recently visiting the Manassas National Battlefield Park in Virginia, I used the Bull Run Battle App to test how much it would enhance the experience.
It serves as a worthy companion for iPhone and Android devices to make sense of the often chaotic nature of the battles that took place here.
If the weather isn’t too humid (I had the misfortune of being there during a recent heat wave) take time to peruse the battlefield, using the GPS function to get an accurate reading about where your location is in reference to the events of the battle.
The app also takes you through the many events, displaying troop locations and a sequence of the battle. There is a very detailed order of battle that includes information about generals, troops deployments, and other essential facts and figures.
It also includes a virtual tour and a walkthrough of the circumstances surrounding the Battle of Bull Run.
Check out the Field Glasses, then hold up your phone to get an augmented reality view of where many of the landmarks are. It is not as useful as it sounds, but worth using to impress friends and family. More specific information, such as where Stonewall Jackson’s statue us (a silhouette wouldn’t hurt) would make it a more impressive feature.
Even if you are not making a battlefield visit in the near future, the Bull Run Battle App and others is still packed with historical information that will be of interest to anyone who wants to learn more about the Civil War.
Bull Run Battle App is one of many apps that have been built for several of the most popular and consequential Civil War battlefields. If you plan to visit one this summer, I highly recommend downloading one of these free apps.
Downlaod Bull Run Battle App from the App Store
Download Bull Run Battle App from Google Play
On Target:
- Enhances visitor experience
- Plenty of historical information
Off the Mark:
- Field Glasses disappoints
