Manassas began in 1852 at the junction of two railroads which linked Northern Virginia and Washington, DC with the Shenandoah Valley and Richmond, VA. During the Civil War, the junction’s strategic importance led to the battles of First and Second Manassas, commonly referred to as the Battles of Bull Run. Rebuilt after the Civil War, Manassas became the county seat in 1892 and remained a small town for most of the 20th century. It became a city in 1975. Known for its Civil War history, Manassas has a charming Old Town historic district and a wonderful museum system.

• The Manassas Museum. Interprets the history and material culture of the Northern Virginia Piedmont region.
• The Manassas Industrial School/Jeanie Dean Memorial is dedicated to the efforts of Northern Virginia’s most celebrated African American educator.
• Mayfield and Cannon Branch Forts are the last remaining Confederate earthworks in the City of Manassas.
• The Manassas Railroad Depot, built in 1914, now serves both VRE and Amtrak passengers and also houses the Historic Manassas Visitor Center and the James and Marian Payne Railroad Heritage Gallery.
• The Ben Lomond Historic Site is a prime example of Federal-style architecture. The house was built in 1837 and, as a wartime hospital, was occupied by both Confederate and Union soldiers.
• The Hopkins Candy Factory and Urban Archaeological Site is now home to the Center for the Arts.
• Liberia, a house built in 1825, has a significant Civil War and agriculture heritage.
• The Manassas Court House was built in 1897 and has been restored to its original elegance. The original court chamber can be used for receptions, dinner meetings, special events and programs.

Entertaining ideas close to The Courts of Historic Manassas

Stroll down the streets and enjoy the charming turn-of-the-century architecture. Browse through art galleries. Visit merchants who offer antiques, country crafts, furnishings, and treasures by local artisans. Dine in unique restaurants. Indulge yourself and take a self-guided Old Town Historic Walking Tour. Take in a ballet or modern dance performance by the Manassas Dance Company or a performance by the Prince William Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy a play at the Cramer Center put on by Vpstart Crow. Or, if you’re a musician, join the Nova Manassas Symphony Orchestra. Located on the NVCC/Manassas campus, it welcomes all adult amateur players.