After a humiliating defeat in the Battle of First Manassas, General George B. McClellan spent significant energy whipping his Union troops into fighting condition. On November 20, 1861, having accomplished that task, he presented the new and improved Army of the Potomac to President Lincoln in our nation's largest military review to date.

As many as 70,000 men formed a semi-circle four miles long in the Bailey's Crossroads section of Fairfax County, Virginia. A crowd of 20,000-30,000 civilians watched on as McClellan and Lincoln rode along the line of troops, greeted by the soldier's cheers.

Though the landscape today bears little resemblance to 1861, it once hosted one of the most heart-quicking shows of morale in our nation's history. But as the 150th anniversary of that day arrives, you'll be able to get a clearer picture at a series of commemorative events, including a scholarly conference, a grand concert featuring period music, a Civil War ball and a reenactment parade.

Also in November is "The Civil War Comes to Fairfax County", the 2011 Fairfax County History Commission's signature conference. Topics include Civil War archaeology, Quaker life during the war, early skirmishes and Gen. Robert E. Lee.

At a time when Americans should have been decking the halls, fattening the goose and preparing for the holidays, our nation and our bravest were coming face-to-face with the reality of war. Make plans to visit today and honor the 150th anniversary of their courageous sacrifices by gaining a deeper understanding of the history surrounding this great conflict.