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.
chevron-left
chevron-right

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.


MANASSAS MUSEUM

The Manassas Museum was beautifully renovated inside and out in 2023, the year when the City celebrated its 150th anniversary commemorating its 1873 founding. Come inside and see artifacts from the area’s rich history — and outside — enjoy a landscaped patio with seating and tables overlooking the spacious lawn. Our museum features changing exhibits, tours, and programming for all ages and interests. Our museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays from noon-5 p.m. (closed on federal holidays). Shop in Echoes, our museum store, for unique Manassas-themed gifts.
LEARN MORE

Echoes, Museum Store

Echoes, our museum store, is inside the Manassas Museum. Check out the selection of Manassas-oriented souvenirs, including some Virginia food treats.
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.
Learn more

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

NVA Thai Street Food & Culture Festival

Apr 7 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm EDT
Manassas Museum Lawn
9101 Prince William St.
Manassas, VA 20110 United States

Spend your Sundays enjoying authentic Thai street food on the Manassas Museum Lawn April 7, April 21, May 5, and May 26! To pair with these authentic Thai street eats,

HISTORIC MANASSAS VISITOR CENTER 
AT THE TRAIN DEPOT
9431 West Street
Manassas, Virginia 20110
703-361-6599
Copyright © 2024 Manassas
Manassas - Historic Heart. Modern Beat.

Quick Links

Latest Posts
Banner Art For Sale!
Have you seen Banner Art in Manassas that you wish you could own? You may be in luck! For just $15 you can own Banners from previous Banner Art Contests! […]
Livestream Shopping is coming to Manassas
Historic Manassas, Inc., Named Main Street Resiliency Grant Program Recipient MANASSAS, Va., April 7, 2021 – Main Street America (MSA) recently announced the recipients of the Main Street Resiliency Grant […]
Lorem Ipsum Dolor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud [...]
Lorem Ipsum Dolor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud [...]
envelopemapcrosschevron-down