Manassas, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Our Story Continues
1900 - present
The decades of post-war growth in Manassas were nearly lost in 1905 when a disastrous fire destroyed more than 30 homes and businesses. Undeterred, local residents rebuilt bigger and better, setting the town on the path for the city we know today. Farms underpinned the local economy and brought prosperity to the area. A thriving busineness district emerged that included restaurants, stores, a candy factory, and hotels. Central to it all was the railroad that was the lifeblood of the town.
Today, the rural community has given way to homes and urban development, but Manassas still retains that small town feel. A vibrant historic downtown coupled with the preservation of important historic landmarks and battlefield lands has made Manassas a tourism destination. We celebrate our past while looking to what the future holds.
[Captions:]
The aftermath of the 1905 fire.
Manassas Museum Collection
View from the Courthouse, 1903 or 1904, showing the small town that was Manassas at the dawn of the last century.
Manassas Museum Collection
An aerial view of the city shows the growth of the last 100 years.
Manassas Museum Collection
Dairy Festival program, 1932. This annual event was built around the region's agricultural roots.
Manassas Museum Collection
Erected by City
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Virginia, City of Manassas series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.
Location. 38° 45.033′ N, 77° 28.295′ W. Marker is in Manassas, Virginia. It is on Main Street south of Center Street (Virginia Route 28), on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9414 Main St, 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 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
Other markers no longer nearby. Wartime Manassas (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Our Story Continues (has been replaced with this marker); Manassas 1905 - The Great Fire (was about 300 feet away but has been permanently removed); Site of Manassas Junction (was about 300 feet away but has been permanently removed).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker. There are minor differences in the inscriptions.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 12, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
