Manassas, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Manassas 1905 - The Great Fire

Courage & Determination Save Town

Photographed by Craig Swain, July 19, 2009

1. Manassas 1905 - The Great Fire Marker

Inscription. During the cold winter night of December 5, 1905, a smoldering fire began in Blossom's Alley across the tracks from the train depot. It soon raged through the young town of Manassas, destroying 35 homes, the post office, and business bordered by Main, Center, and Battle Streets and the railroad tracks. Standing shoulder to shoulder, men, women, and children of all ages passed buckets of water and wet blankets down Center street to extinguish the fire.

Local lore tells that brickmaker Donation Libeau climbed the roof of the People's National Bank to douse sparks, and saved that building from destruction. Out of this tragedy emerged a story of courage and hope, as residents who fought the blaze would soon rebuild their town.

Erected 2009.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. A significant historical date for this entry is December 5, 1770.

Location. 38° 44.988′ N, 77° 28.271′ W. Marker is in Manassas, Virginia. It is at the intersection of Prince William Street and Main Street, on the right when traveling west on Prince William Street. Across the intersection from the Manassas Museum. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Manassas VA 20110, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area

and in Northern Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Burning of Manassas (here, next to this marker); Wartime Manassas

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Our Story Continues (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Wartime Manassas (about 300 feet away); Occupation or Liberation (about 300 feet away); War on the Landscape (about 400 feet away); Manassas (about 400 feet away); Manassas Veterans Memorial (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manassas.

Other markers no longer nearby. Wartime Manassas (was about 300 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Manassas Museum (was about 400 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Wartime Manassas (was about 400 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . . Original Marker. This marker replaced an older marker titled Burning of Manassas. (Submitted on October 28, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Photographed by Craig Swain, July 19, 2009

2. Manassas 1905 - The Great Fire Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,280 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 28, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.