Near Manassas in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

“The Unfinished Railroad”

Photographed by Tom Fuchs, June 10, 2006

1. “The Unfinished Railroad” Marker

Inscription. These cuts and fills are what remain of the Independent Line of the Manassas Gap Railroad. The Independent Line was constructed in the mid-1850s to connect Gainesville, 5 miles to the west, with Alexandria, 25 miles to the east. After completing the grade, the Manassas Gap Railroad Company ran out of money. No track was ever laid.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Manassas Gap Railroad series list.

Location. 38° 50.321′ N, 77° 32.256′ W. Marker is near Manassas, Virginia, in Prince William County. It is on Sudley Road (Virginia Route 234) south of Featherbed Lane. It it is at Sudley Battlefield, near the northenmost point of the Manassas National Battlefield Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Manassas VA 20109, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area,

in Northern Virginia,

and in the Piedmont.

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 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Battling for the Rocky Knoll (a few steps from this marker); Sudley (a few

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steps from this marker); Sudley Church (a few steps from this marker); Sudley Methodist Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Debt Repaid (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manassas.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Church During Wartime (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . . The Transportation Network of Alexandria. This page has a large map showing the path of the Independent Line of the Manassas Gap Railroad. (Submitted on November 1, 2006.)

Marker at the Unfinished Railroad Trail Heading West image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 10, 2006

2. Marker at the Unfinished Railroad Trail Heading West

The Independent Line Continues image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 10, 2006

3. The Independent Line Continues

The line continues east across Sudley Road from the small parking lot where this marker is. A walking trail takes you into a corner the Battlefield Park.

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, September 4, 2015

4. “The Unfinished Railroad” Marker

A set of stairs has been built next to the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2006, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,921 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 1, 2006, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. 2, 3. submitted on November 1, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 4. submitted on September 11, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.