Located in Northeast Virginia about 30 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., Manassas is considered to be part of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. It has a population of about 36,000 people. The summers are humid, with temperatures averaging in the 80s. Winters tend to be mild with temperatures in the mid 40s. The average snowfall is only 16 inches. The city has been experiencing some problems with crime and a decrease in population recently. It is a beautiful city in a beautiful and historic area. Anyone thinking of moving to Manassas would certainly love the city's charm and many things to do.
Economy:
The median household income in Manassas is considerably higher than for the state average. The cost of living is substantially higher in Manassas than the average for the rest of the country. Unemployment here is about 6.7 percent. The top employers in Manassas are Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors, Micron Technology, BAE Systems, Oberon and Colgan Air. Many residents of Manassas live there but work in Washington, D.C. or surrounding cities.
History:
In 1861, the First Battle of Bull Run was fought near where Manassas is now. It was considered to be the first major land battle of the Civil War. At that time, Manassas was just a railroad crossing. The Second Battle of Bull Run was fought here in 1862. The area was considered critical because of the railroad junction leading directly to Washington DC and Richmond, Virginia. The crossroads became the town of Manassas in 1863 and was incorporated in 1873.
Tourism:
Manassas is full of historic Civil War sites and museums. The Manassas National Battlefield is a must for anyone interested in the Civil War. The Confederate Cemetery was established in 1867 and has more than 250 graves. The Jennie Dean Memorial commemorates a school founded in 1893 by a former slave so that young African American men and women could learn a trade. Festivals include the African American Heritage Festival and the Prince William County Fair in August, the Latino Festival, the Virginia Wine and Jazz Festival and the Old World Festival in September and the Fall Jubilee in October. The Manassas Heritage Railway Festival is held in June. There are two water parks in Manassas. Plus, there is all that Washington, D.C. has to offer, just a short car ride away.