Stonewall Jackson monument vandalized at Manassas battlefield

The National Park Service says it is making repairs to a Stonewall Jackson monument that was vandalized at Manassas National Battlefield.

The park service says the vandalism at the monument depicting the Confederate general was discovered early Wednesday morning and occurred overnight.

"A large quantity of white paint" was splashed on the granite base of the monument, and the word "Dead!" was added in gold spray paint.

Park Service rangers are investigating the incident.

Experts assessed the best methods for removing the graffiti without damaging the monument and started the cleanup process by early afternoon.

The monument was erected in 1940. The first battle of Manassas, or Bull Run, was the first major battle of the Civil War. It was also where Thomas Jackson earned his nickname as "Stonewall" when his brigade helped rally Confederate troops fending off a Union charge.