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.
Manassas 1905 - The Great Fire. Courage and Determination Save Town. 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.
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. Marker 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.
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
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 1,739 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 28, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
