Historic Old Town Manassas 9431 West St., Manassas, VA 20110
703-368-1873 • 703-361-6942 FAX 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. The Manassas Railroad Depot, built in 1911 and still an active train station, offers railroad exhibits and a visitor center. Be sure to visit the County Courthouse where the Manassas National Jubilee of Peace was held on July 21,1911 (this commemorated 50 years of peace following the Civil War as veterans from both armies returned to this already historic town). Consider visiting during an event: Farmers Market (May-Oct), Railway Festival (June), Fall Jubilee (October), and Merry Old Town Weekends (Dec).
Historic Occoquan 309 Mill St, Occoquan, VA 22125
703-491-1918
Visit this quaint, historic riverfront town which was the site of the first automated grist mill. After Civil War skirmishes, a brief Civil War encampment from Gen. Wade Hampton, and ravages from hurricanes, today Occoquan offers shopping at more than 100 specialty boutiques, dining, and antique shops. Serving as the border of the town and bearing the same name, the Occoquan river offers a peaceful respite for I-95 travelers. Ghost tours of many of the historic buildings are offered on an occasional basis.
Quantico National Cemetery 18424 Joplin Rd, Triangle, VA
703-221-2183
Over 700 rolling, wooded acres that contain the burial sites of American war veterans. Walk down the memorial pathway flanked by hundreds of flags. Valid drivers license required by driver for entry into Quantico Marine Corps Base. Hours: All Day, year round
Weems-Botts Museum 300 West Duke St., Dumfries, VA 22026
703-221-2218 • 877-447-8074 • 703-221-2218 FAX
Guided tours cover history of Dumfries, Prince William County, & Museum. Building and furnishings span the 18th, 19th & 20th centuries. This historic house was once the home of Mason Locke Weems (first biographer of George Washington–Was there really a cherry tree?) and Benjamin Botts (legal defense attorney for Aaron Burr during his treason trial). Learn the history about these and other colorful stories about the area. Hours: Tuesday-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (October-January 10 a.m.-4p.m.) Closed Mondays.
GUIDED TOURS
Mill House Museum 412 Mill St., Occoquan, VA 22125
703-491-7525
Once used as a miller’s office, the Mill House Museum is all that remains from the office and mill that was the first automated grist mill in the nation. Occoquan’s charming beginnings as an 18th century mill town is presented through exhibits, presentations, artifacts and memorabilia. FREE
Old Rose Garden at Ben Lomond Historic Site 10311 Sudley Manor Dr.
Manassas, VA 20109
703-367-7872
Inspired by a French garden, this 5,200 sq. foot garden is one of the largest public gardens devoted to roses in U.S. Collection of old roses has appox. 160 separate cultivars & 200 individual rose shrubs. Seasonal garden peaks near Memorial Day. Annuals & perennials bloom May-Sept. Old Rose Celebration in May.
The Manassas Industrial School/Jennie Dean Memorial 9601 Prince William St., Manassas, VA
703-368-1873
Born a slave in western Prince William County in 1894, Jennie Dean realized her dream of creating a school where young African -American men and women could learn marketable trades. Outdoor memorial and exhibits open all day, year-round. Memorial is part of the Manassas Museum System.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Center 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow 703-365-7895
A former Prince William County seat, this historic area served as a hub for activity for more than 75 years. The reputedly haunted Brentsville Historic Center consists of five buildings; a courthouse, jail, church, cabin and a one-room schoolhouse built in 1928. The Brentsville Courthouse Historic Center is currently under renovations and is scheduled to open in May 2007.
A unique building with construction spanning three centuries. The original colonial home, built by Richard Blackburn in the 1740’s, contains later additions built in 1800 and 1924. The site is listed on both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, and is also utilized for special events and educational, interpretive programming on an ongoing basis. The site will be opened to the public on a daily basis in Spring 2007.
