National Register of Historic Places listings in Prince William County, Virginia facts for kids

Location of Prince William County in Virginia

Have you ever wondered about the old buildings and special places in your area? In Prince William County, Virginia, there are many historic spots! These places are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a special list kept by the United States government. It helps protect places that tell us about the past.

There are 45 different buildings, areas, and sites in Prince William County that are on this list. Each one has a unique story to share about how people lived, worked, and even fought long ago. Let's explore some of these amazing historical treasures!

Historic Homes and Plantations

Many old homes in Prince William County have incredible histories. They show us what life was like centuries ago.

Bel Air

Bel Air is a very old plantation house in Woodbridge. It was built around 1740. Imagine living in a house that's almost 300 years old! A famous person named Mason Locke Weems lived here. He was the first person to write a book about George Washington. Weems is also famous for creating the well-known story about George Washington and the cherry tree. You know, the one where Washington says, "I cannot tell a lie, I did it with my little hatchet!" Bel Air is one of the few old colonial homes left in northern Virginia.

Ben Lomond

Near Manassas, you'll find Ben Lomond. This old plantation house was built in the early 1800s. It played a role during the American Civil War. Soldiers used it as a hospital. You can still visit it today and learn about its past.

Effingham

Effingham is another historic home located near Aden. This beautiful house was built in the late 1700s. It shows us the grand style of homes from that time period.

Evergreen

In Haymarket, there's a historic home called Evergreen. It's a lovely old house that has been around since the early 1800s. It gives us a peek into the lives of families who lived in this area long ago.

The Lawn

"The Lawn" is a historic property near Nokesville. It includes a house and land that tell stories of farming and community life in the 1800s.

Locust Bottom

Also in Haymarket, Locust Bottom is a historic farm. It shows how people lived and worked on farms in Prince William County many years ago.

Moor Green

Moor Green is a historic home located north of Brentsville. This house dates back to the late 1700s. It's a great example of the architecture from that period.

Mt. Atlas

Near Haymarket, Mt. Atlas is another historic estate. It has been standing since the early 1800s. It offers a glimpse into the past of the region's wealthy families.

Park Gate

Park Gate is a historic home near Nokesville. It was built in the early 1800s and has a rich history connected to the local community.

Pilgrim's Rest

Pilgrim's Rest is a historic property near Nokesville. It includes an old house and land that have been part of the county's history for many years.

Rippon Lodge

Rippon Lodge is one of the oldest homes in Prince William County. It was built around 1747 in Woodbridge. It offers a fascinating look at colonial life in Virginia.

Rockledge

In Occoquan, Rockledge is a historic house with a beautiful view. It was built in the early 1800s and is part of the charming historic town of Occoquan.

White House

The "White House" in Brentsville is a historic home that dates back to the early 1800s. It's an important part of the historic Brentsville area.

Historic Towns and Districts

Some entire areas or towns are listed because they have many old buildings and a special history.

Brentsville Historic District

Brentsville used to be the county seat of Prince William County. This means it was where the main government offices were located. The Brentsville Historic District includes the old courthouse and jail, built in 1822. It also has other historic buildings that show what a county seat looked like long ago.

Buckland Historic District

The Buckland Historic District is a small, historic community. It has several old buildings that show the history of this area.

Occoquan Historic District

Occoquan is a charming historic town right on the Occoquan River. The Occoquan Historic District includes many old buildings, shops, and homes. It was once a busy port town. Walking through Occoquan feels like stepping back in time!

Quantico Marine Corps Base Historic District

Marine Corps Base Quantico is a very important military base. The historic district within the base includes many buildings that tell the story of the Marine Corps. These buildings show how the base grew and changed over time.

Important Battlefields and Military Sites

Prince William County was a key location during the American Civil War. Many important battles and military sites are preserved here.

Manassas National Battlefield Park

This is one of the most famous historic sites in the county. The Manassas National Battlefield Park is where two major Civil War battles took place: the First and Second Battles of Bull Run (or Manassas). Thousands of soldiers fought here. The park preserves the land and tells the story of these important moments in American history.

Freestone Point Confederate Battery

At Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge, you can find the Freestone Point Confederate Battery. This was a Confederate army fort during the Civil War. It was built to control the Potomac River.

Mitchell's Ford Entrenchments

These are old trenches and earthworks from the Civil War. They are located near Bull Run, east of Manassas Park. Soldiers dug these to defend their positions during battles.

Orange and Alexandria Railroad Bridge Piers

These are the remains of an old railroad bridge over Bull Run. The Orange and Alexandria Railroad was very important during the Civil War for moving troops and supplies. These piers are a reminder of the challenges faced during the war.

Signal Hill

Signal Hill, near Manassas, was an important lookout point during the Civil War. Soldiers used it to send signals and watch for enemy movements. It offers a great view of the surrounding area.

Thoroughfare Gap Battlefield

Thoroughfare Gap is a mountain pass that was important during the Civil War. A battle was fought here in 1862. It helped set the stage for the Second Battle of Bull Run.

Other Unique Historic Places

Prince William County has other interesting sites that don't fit neatly into other categories.

Beverley Mill

Beverley Mill is a large, historic gristmill located near The Plains. It was built in the early 1800s and was used to grind grain into flour. It's a great example of early industrial buildings.

Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine Historic District

Deep inside Prince William Forest Park, you'll find the remains of the Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine. This mine operated in the early 1900s, digging for a mineral called pyrite. It's a cool look at the county's industrial past.

Chopawamsic RDA Camps (Goodwill, Mawavi, Orenda/SP-26, Pleasant)

These historic districts are located within Prince William Forest Park. They were built in the 1930s as part of a program called the Recreational Demonstration Area (RDA). These camps provided outdoor experiences for children during the Great Depression. Each camp has unique cabins and buildings.

Greenwich Presbyterian Church and Cemetery

This historic church and its cemetery are located in Greenwich. The church was built in the mid-1800s. It's a peaceful place that tells the story of the community's faith and history.

Leesylvania Archeological Site (44PW7)

Leesylvania State Park is not just a beautiful park; it's also home to an important archeological site. Archeologists study this site to learn about the Native American people who lived here thousands of years ago.

Nokesville Truss Bridge

The Nokesville Truss Bridge is an old bridge near Nokesville. It's a type of bridge called a "truss bridge," which uses a special framework to support its weight. It's a cool example of old engineering.

Old Hotel (Dumfries)

In Dumfries, there's a building known as the "Old Hotel." It's one of the oldest buildings in the town, dating back to the 1700s. It served as a stopping place for travelers long ago.

Old Town Hall and School (Haymarket)

In Haymarket, this building used to be both the town hall and a school. It was built in the early 1900s. Today, it's the Haymarket Museum, where you can learn even more about the town's history.

Prince William County Courthouse (Manassas)

The Prince William County Courthouse in Manassas is where important legal decisions are made. The current building was built in the early 2000s, but it represents a long history of justice in the county.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church (Haymarket)

St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Haymarket is a historic church built in the mid-1800s. It's a beautiful example of church architecture from that time.

Weems-Botts House

The Weems-Botts House in Dumfries is another historic home. It was once owned by Parson Weems, the biographer of George Washington. It's now a museum where you can learn about his life and the history of Dumfries.

Images for kids

• 

  Bel Air, a historic plantation home.

• 

  Ben Lomond Plantation.

• 

  Beverley Mill.

• 

  The old Brentsville Courthouse.

• 

  A view of the Brentsville Historic District.

• 

  A scene from the Broad Run-Little Georgetown Rural Historic District.

• 

  Buildings in the Buckland Historic District.

• 

  Ruins at the Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine Historic District.

• 

  Commanding General's Quarters, Quantico Marine Base.

• 

  The Davis-Beard House.

• 

  Effingham, a historic home.

• 

  Evergreen, a historic home.

• 

  Freestone Point Confederate Battery.

• 

  Goodwill Historic District, Chopawamsic RDA Camp 1.

• 

  Greenwich Presbyterian Church and Cemetery.

• 

  The Lawn historic property.

• 

  Ruins at Leesylvania Archeological Site.

• 

  Locust Bottom farm.

• 

  Cannons at Manassas National Battlefield Park.

• 

  Mawavi Historic District, Chopawamsic RDA Camp 2.

• 

  Mitchell's Ford Entrenchments.

• 

  Moor Green, a historic home.

• 

  Mt. Atlas historic estate.

• 

  The Nokesville Truss Bridge.

• 

  A street in the Occoquan Historic District.

• 

  The Old Hotel in Dumfries.

• 

  The Old Town Hall and School, now the Haymarket Museum.

• 

  Orange and Alexandria Railroad Bridge Piers.

• 

  Orenda/SP-26 Historic District, Chopawamsic RDA Camp 3.

• 

  Park Gate, a historic home.

• 

  Pilgrim's Rest historic property.

• 

  Pleasant Historic District, Chopawamsic RDA Camp 4.

• 

  Prince William County Courthouse.

• 

  Prince William Forest Park Historic District.

• 

  Quantico Marine Corps Base Historic District.

• 

  Rippon Lodge, a historic home.

• 

  Rockledge, a historic home in Occoquan.

• 

  St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Haymarket.

• 

  Signal Hill.

• 

  Thoroughfare Gap Battlefield.

• 

  The Weems-Botts House.

• 

  The White House in Brentsville.