Discover the Rich History of Manassas

Manassas, Virginia, has a long and storied history that begins way before European settlers came to the area. This makes it a great spot if you’re a history buff. But even if you’re not, you’ll still find Manassas’ past interesting. The team at Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC has taken some of the most important and unique facts about the area and compiled them in this guide. Then we provide some options for places you can explore to learn even more about how Manassas came to be what it is today.

Native Peoples

Prior to settlement by Spanish, English, and French colonists, the Algonquian Federation tribe inhabited the Manassas area near the Occoquan River, while west of the Fall Line were the Siouan-speaking Manahoac people. These tribes fished in the rivers and hunted for deer, turkey, and buffalo. The Algonquian people had villages up the river, and in addition to fishing and hunting, they grew maize and planted other crops. The nomadic Manahoac people burned forests to create grasslands, which attracted the buffalo they hunted. As settlers came to Manassas, they displaced the Native Americans.

Railroad Days

It took a long time for Manassas to grow beyond its days of being a simple agricultural community made up of rural farms. But once the Orange and Alexandria rail line and the Manassas Gap line formed a junction in what is today Manassas in the 1850s, the area really started to take shape. The route here was ideal because of the relatively flat land that made it easier for trains to pull heavy loads. The rail lines could follow the river and achieve grades that weren’t as steep as lines running elsewhere in nearby areas.

War Breaks Out

The rail lines also made it easy for troops to move in and through the area when the Civil War broke out in the 1860s. It would seem that the lines had made it here just in time. In fact, two major Civil War battles took place in Manassas. The First Battle of Bull Run in July 1861 was the first prominent land battle of the Civil War. Later, in August 1862, the Second Battle of Bull Run took place with Confederate troops victorious in both battles. After the Civil War, Manassas incorporated, becoming an independent city.

Future Development

After incorporating, Manassas began to expand. Thanks to the railroad, many industries could conduct business in and around Manassas because they were able to ship their goods anywhere in the country. In the 1960s, IBM built a computer chip manufacturing plant here that employed many residents. Today, some of the largest employers are Micron Technology, Lockheed Martin, and the Novant Prince William Health System. The area continues to attract tech companies due to its proximity to Washington, D.C., and New York City. In 2020, the U.S. Census reported that Manassas’ population grew by 13% and now has 42,772 residents.

Discover More

We’ve only touched on the rich history of Manassas, but we encourage you to go out and explore the area to learn even more. These are some places where you can discover more and get a deeper understanding of the community you live in:

Liberia House

Built in 1825,Liberia House has deep roots in the Manassas community. The house was originally owned by William J. Weir and his wife. During the Civil War, it served as headquarters for both Union and Confederate armies. Presidents from both sides met with their generals right in this very house, making it a unique place. It’s constructed of bricks made on-site with Virginia red clay. This is one of the oldest buildings in Manassas, and you can tour it during special events and the annual Bee Festival in June.

Annaburg

Annaburg is a Classical Revival structure with Prussian influence. German millionaire Robert Portner constructed it in 1892, and it originally sat on 2,000 acres. Today, the surrounding land only comprises just over 3 acres, and it’s Manassas’ newest park. The grounds open to the public daily from dawn to dusk.

Manassas Industrial School/Jennie Dean Memorial

At the site of Virginia’s first school for former slaves, you’ll find a life-size statue and monument to the school’s founder, Jane “Jennie” Serepta Dean. She was a former slave herself, and she wanted to create a place where everyone could learn. Although there’s no school standing at the location today, you can visit the monument to pay homage to the work of this exceptional person.

Cannon Branch Fort

Take a step back in time and see the earthwork fort built during the Civil War at Cannon Branch Fort. This park allows you to stroll through the beautiful Virginia landscape and imagine what it was like for the soldiers during that terrible war. The earthwork was created to protect the rail line that brought supplies to Union troops.

Mayfield Fort

You can see more of the remaining earthwork forts at Mayfield Earthwork Fort Park. At this 11-acre site, you’ll find interpretive signs that describe some of the events that took place here during the Civil War as well as a home from the 1700s and the cemetery for the family that occupied it. It’s free to visit and open daily, so there’s no reason not to go.

The James & Marion Payne Memorial Railroad Heritage Gallery

Check out the James & Marion Payne Memorial Railroad Heritage Gallery to see artifacts and historic photos that depict the railroad history of Manassas. Since the rail line has been active in the area for more than 150 years, it’s important to learn more about how this aspect of our history has shaped the area.

Manassas National Battlefield Park

Manassas National Battlefield Park is a national park site that helps visitors get a better understanding of the two battles that happened here during the Civil War. You’ll find original structures, interpretive signs, and trails that take you around the park.

If you’re interested in the history of Manassas, check out what’s going on at some of the locations listed above. You’ll learn everything you want to know and more. If you don’t, contact us and we can help you find out what you need to know. Our team at Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC loves Manassas, and we want to ensure you love it just as much as we do.

Image by Thomas DiRoma is licensed with Unsplash License

Tags: History, Manassas
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