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Snapshot in HistoryManassas, VA, developed thanks in large part to the development of the railroads. In the 1850s, as the Orange & Alexandria line and the Manassas Gap line converged in Manassas Junction, a town grew up where nothing had been before since waterways and major roads were nonexistent.
The Civil War significantly delayed the town's development but secured its place in history as the site of the war's first major land battle. it was at this battle, the First Battle of Manassas (Bull Run), that Gen. Thomas Jackson earned his nickname "Stonewall" for keeping the Union army at bay. However, when Confederate troops evacuated the area to reinforce the defenses at Richmond, Union troops moved in. The Second Battle of Manassas, fought in 1862, was also a Confederate victory...nevertheless, the area remained under Union control until the war ended in 1865.
Following the Civil War, Manassas prospered as a transportation and business center. In 1892 the county seat relocated from Brentsville (near Bristow) to Manassas. The courthouse opened in 1894, and in 1911 was where President Taft addressed the Manassas National Jubilee of Peace, a gathering of Union and Confederate veterans on the 50th anniversary of 1st Manassas.
Agriculture was the backbone of the early-20th century economy of Manassas. Produce and dairy products flowed from Manassas farms to the surrounding towns and outlying areas including Washington DC. Soon, however, urban development ensued as the train began transporting civil servants and other professionals to the nation's capital. Suburban expansion continued after WWII and into the 1960s and 1970s. Housing and businesses took over farmlands. IBM opened a manufacturing facility in 1969. In 1975 Manassas became a city.
Snapshot -- TodayHigh technology firms continue to anchor the business development of Manassas. Revitalization efforts of historic Old Town began in the 1980s and Manassas became a Virginia Main Street community in 1985. Museums, educational institutions, and battlefields form a rich tapestry of history and heritage as Manassas enters the 21st century.
Manassas DemographicsThe 2000 census counted 35,000 residents of Manassas; projections for 2005 increase the population by 1,500. City population is projected to peak at 38,000. Median family income in 1997: $59,657.
Just the Facts/TransportationThe City of Manassas is located 30 miles southwest of Washington DC on 10 square miles of land. Rtes. 28 and 234 intersect in the city, I-95 is 10 miles to the south, and I-66 is 5 miles to the north. Dulles Airport is 14 miles north of the city. National Airport is 30 miles to the east. The city-owned and operated regional airport is within city limits. Railroad connections include AmTrak passenger service and Norfolk Southern Freight service. The VRE commuter rail line stops in Old Town and connects to Washington DC.
Just the Facts/Largest EmployersLockheed Martin (Electronics), 2000; PW Hospital (Healthcare), 1000; Dominion Semiconductor (Microelectronics), 1150; Annaburg Manor (nursing home), 330; Giant Food (grocery), 302
Housing StatisticsAs of 6/98: Single Family Detached, 46%; Townhouse, 37%; Multifamily, 17%. Average single family house value (1999): $163,800. Average townhouse value (1999): $87,300.
City of Manassas Schools/ElementaryBaldwin Elementary; Jennie Dean Elementary; Richard C. Haydon Elementary; George C. Round Elementary; Weems Elementary
City of Manassas Schools/Middle SchoolsGrace E. Metz Middle School
City of Manassas Schools/High SchoolOsbourn High School; Stonewall Jackson High School
Higher LearningGeorge Mason University, Prince William Campus; Northern Virginia Community College
RecreationMore than a dozen parks and facilities offer recreational activities including golf courses and water parks. A 110,000 sq. ft. indoor recreation facility houses an Olympic-sized pool.
CultureCity Museum System; Old Town Historic District; Nissan Pavilion Center for the Arts; Prince William Symphony; Manassas Dance; Freedom Museum; Fire Museum.
Medical ResourcesPrince William Hospital is a 170-bed facility with 200-member medical staff representing nearly 30 specialties. Physician Referral and Information service is free and available M-F, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., call 703.369.8198 or e-mail a referral request to PhysRef@pwhs.org.
Caton Merchant House: 78-unit private apt. assisted living facility; Annaburg Manor: 245-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility; Prince William Child Care Center: development center for children 6 wks. to 12 years old; Prince William Family Healthcare; Prince William Health Systems Wellness Center: health education.
More InformationFor more information about the Prince William Health System, please visit "http://www.pwcweb.com". For more information about the City of Manassas, please visit "http://www.manassascity.org".
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