Manassas - Historic Heart. Modern Beat.
Ruins at Manassas Junction with remains of a turntable on the Orange & Alexandria Railroad after the station was destroyed by retreating Confederates in March 1862. Threatened by the overwhelming approach of the 35,000 troops of the Union Army of Northeastern Virginia, the Confederate army was put to work defending the vital junction of railroads at Manassas.
Built in 1892, Annaburg and its 3.65 acres of scenic grounds were, and continue to be, a popular gathering place for picnics, festivals, and enjoying the outdoors.
A group of men seated on the remains of the Manassas Junction railroad station after its destruction by retreating Confederates in March 1862. Manassas was the center of a network of transportation and commerce; it was here where vital arteries of communication and logistics came together and connected.
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Manassas History—A Deeper Dive

Manassas equals history. And here, it all begins with the railroad.

Completed in 1852, rails linking Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. with the Shenandoah Valley and Richmond created Manassas Junction that evolved into Manassas. Confederate troops used those rails as they arrived here to fight in the First Battle of Manassas (or First Battle of Bull Run) on July 21, 1861. It marked the first time in history that troops were transported by rail for impending battle. This battle became known as the first major land battle of the 1861-1865 American Civil War, which is now preserved Federal parkland: the Manassas National Battlefield Park, only five miles northwest. Thirteen months later – August 28-30, 1862 – the Second Battle of Manassas (or Second Battle of Bull Run) broke out on those same fields.

Confederate General P. G. T. Beauregard and Union General Irwin McDowell used nearby Liberia House (about a mile from the railroad junction) as headquarters in 1861 and 1862, respectively. Presidents Jefferson Davis and Abraham Lincoln visited their army's generals during their commands at Liberia, a City-owned park.

When the Civil War ended, the settlement at the junction grew into the Town of Manassas, which was chartered in 1873. In 1975, it became the City of Manassas, an independent city in the Commonwealth. Thankfully, the City has retained its historical character, emerging as a popular destination choice.


MUSEUM RENOVATION

We’re getting a facelift! Our new and improved museum will open just in time for the City’s 150th anniversary celebration in 2023. Though the building is temporarily closed, we’re still offering programs and tours at nearby historical sites.
LEARN MORE

Museum store open!

Though the museum is temporarily closed, our museum store isn’t! Just across the street from the museum, visitors will find the store inside the Historic Manassas Train Depot. Check it out!
OUR STORE

Photo search

Searching for an old image or map of Manassas? Our museum’s online archives is the place to discover historical images and artifacts from our City’s past. Go ahead. Take a look.
aRCHIVES

Manassas
Museum 
Event 
Schedule

Explore our upcoming classes, programs, and events.
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Historic Sites

History loves company. And so do we. Check out our historic sites in the City of Manassas. 
Manassas Water Tower
The 147-foot-tall Manassas Water Tower is the oldest water tower […]

So much fun

UPCOMING EVENTS

Farmer's Market (Thursdays)

Jun 8 @ 8:00 am - 1:00 pm EDT
Harris Pavilion
9201 Center St
Manassas, VA 20110 United States
+ Google Map

In the middle of Historic Downtown, check out our award-winning Farmer's Market every Thursday from April 6-Oct. 26, 2023 at the Harris Pavilion, a covered, open-air venue. Shoppers can chose

Battle Street Live

Jun 9 @ 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm EDT
Battle Street
9405 Battle Street
Manassas, 20110
+ Google Map

Who doesn't love music in the streets? Come join us every Friday & Saturday night in 2023 from May 12 through Oct. 7, to listen to live local bands on

Farmer's Market (Saturdays)

Jun 10 @ 8:00 am - 1:00 pm EDT
Prince William Street Commuter Lot
9024 Prince William St
Manassas, VA 20110 United States
+ Google Map

Our Farmer's Market was voted as one of the best in the area by Prince William Living magazine! With 100+ vendors, shoppers can chose fresh produce, flowers, foods, and a

HISTORIC MANASSAS VISITOR CENTER 
AT THE TRAIN DEPOT
9431 West Street
Manassas, Virginia 20110
703-361-6599
Copyright © 2023 Manassas
Manassas - Historic Heart. Modern Beat.

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