Manassas

Manassas is a large independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia, located in the Northern Virginia region and approximately thirty miles Southwest of Washington, DC. Based on projections by the latest recorded U.S. Census, the population is 42,772.

Living in Manassas offers residents a dense suburban feel with a diverse community rich in many cultures and experiences. A big attraction to families and young professionals—most of which own their homes–are the wide variety of restaurants/bars, coffee shops, shopping plazas, and parks.
The city borders Prince William County and the city of Manassas Park. In 1894, Manassas was designated the county seat of Prince William County, replacing Brentsville. By 1975, Manassas was incorporated as an independent city, and as per Virginia law, was separated from Prince William County.

Manassas began life as Manassas Junction, so named for the railroad junction between the Orange and Alexandria Railroad (O&A) and the Manassas Gap Railroad (MGRR). The O&A owned the railway from Alexandria through Manassas to points south, ending in Orange, Virginia, while the MGRR was an independent line constructed from Manassas Junction through the Manassas Gap westward. In addition, Manassas was the site of the first large scale military use of railroad transportation. These original routes are now owned by the Norfolk Southern (NS) railroad. Amtrak and the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) provide regular inter-city and commuter service to the city and surrounding area on the tracks owned by NS. Manassas station is served by VRE and three Amtrak routes: the New York City to Chicago (Cardinal); Boston to Roanoke (Northeast Regional); and the New York to New Orleans (Crescent).