Manassas, VA still echoes with the voices of Civil War soldiers. A tiny railroad community at Manassas Junction, where two rail lines met, Manassas found quick fame and growth in the Civil War as the site of two crucial battles. Today, Civil War history is carefully preserved and honored through Mannassas' extensive museum system and the National Battlefield Park.

Mannassas became the county seat of Prince William County in 1892. Prince William County is the third largest county in the Commonwealth of VA. Proximity to Washington D.C. makes Mannassas a convenient and desirable location for today's booming technology industries.

Mannassas, VA can still be seen as sitting at the crossroads. From its quaint Old Town Historic District, designated as a Virginia Main Street Community, to the modern day home of Lockheed-Martin and Micron Technology, Inc., it lies at the junction of past and future.

Mannassas has a population of approximately 36,000. The city offers all of the amenities of a large metropolis while still retaining its small town feeling and historic atmosphere. A large mix of housing is available, along with cultural and recreational opportunities nearby. The excitement and bustle of Washington D.C. is only 30 miles away, while the beauty and serenity of the Blue Ridge mountains are an easy drive. Prince William County has 48 miles of shoreline, and thousands of acres of parks have been preserved to enjoy the rich natural wildlife of the region. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy boating, fishing, camping, hiking and biking. The area is rich in history and scenic beauty; one can walk in the footsteps of Native Americans, and Revolutionary and Civil War heroes. Winding scenic roads through gently rolling hills can take a resident into the calm of nature, or the new 234 bypass can give access to I-66 and I-95.

The city-owned Mannassas regional airport and the Gateway Business Park are both close to the Virginia Rail Express station. Mannassas has attracted a large number of software companies and biotechnology firms. Information technology and telecommunication corporations have settled into Prince Williams County, making the entire region a corridor for booming growth. Mannassas' renowned hospitality and quaint historical charm has made it the hub for student travel groups wanting to visit the nation's nearby capitol.

Mannassas students enjoy fine choices for schooling, including private and alternative schools. For higher education, there are four universities and three colleges to choose from in Prince Williams County:

• American Military University
• Northern Virginia Community College
• George Mason University
• Strayer University
• Old Dominion University
• Teletechnet
• ECPI College of Technology

A classic American town, Mannassas, VA is rich with our nation's history and heritage, while it enjoys the promise of a future full of strong economic growth and potential.