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.
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.
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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.
Learn more

Historic Sites

History loves company. And so do we. Check out our historic sites in the City of Manassas. 

So much fun

UPCOMING EVENTS

Running with the Saints 5K

Apr 1 @ 8:00 am - 10:00 am EDT
All Saints Catholic School
9294 Stonewall Rd.
Manassas, Virginia 20110 United States
+ Google Map

All Saints Catholic School's Running with the Saints 5K provides an excellent opportunity to promote businesses while supporting students and teachers. By becoming a race sponsor, you can advertise yo...

Manassas 150th Birthday Celebration (1873-2023)!

Apr 1 @ 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm EDT
Jennie Dean Park
9501 Dean Park Lane
Manassas, Virginia 20110 United States
+ Google Map

Be part of history! Celebrate our 150th birthday of the City's establishment in 1873 with a party you won't forget! There will be live music from local bands, hayrides, food,

Farmer's Market (Thursdays)

Apr 6 @ 12:00 pm - 5:00 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 through Oct. 26, 2023 at the Harris Pavilion, a covered, open-air venue. Shoppers can chose fresh

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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