The construction of the Manassas Junction in 1850 provided routes to Richmond, Washington, D.C, and the Shenandoah Valley. This construction not only propelled Manassas's economy and population, but also caused it to be an extremely valuable piece of land during the Civil War. Because of this, the first major land battle of the Civil War occurred in Manassas: the Battle of Bull Run.

The Battle of Bull Run was important for three reasons. Number one, it was the first major battle on land. Number two, it marked the beginning of Stonewall Jackson's enormous impact on the Confederate Army and the Civil War as a whole. And Number three, it showed the Union and President Lincoln that this war would not only be long, but it would be costly, as well.

Next to the Bull Run battlefield is the historic Liberia Plantation. This plantation was once a thriving plantation with numerous slaves. However, because of the war, this plantation became a headquarters for General Beauregard of the Confederate Army and a hospital for the hundreds of soldiers that died at the first battle of Bull Run. Later in the war, this plantation once again became a headquarters, this time, however, it was the headquarters for General McDowell, a General for the Union. What makes this plantation even more significant is that this plantation served as the meeting place for General McDowell and President Lincoln to talk their war strategy, as well.
Manassas is located in Prince William County, home to many Nellis Group communities, including: Dominion Valley, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Manassas, Montclair, Occoquan, Piedmont, Powell's Landing, Quantico, Westridge, Winding Creek Estates, and Woodbridge. Each of these communities are great places to call home surrounded by fantastic historic locations.
For more information about the homes in these communities, visit www.nellisgroup.com. Also, for additional information about Manassas and its history, visit www.visitmanassas.org.
Manassas Visitor Center:
9431 West Street
Manassas, Virginia 20110
photo credit: bullrun1stmanassas.wikispaces.com