Ever since famed explorer Captain John Smith discovered present day Prince William County, Virginia, nearly 400 years ago, millions of travelers have discovered the region’s unique blend of historic attractions, championship golf, distinctive shopping, and pristine natural settings.
Located just 30 miles from Washington, D.C., Prince William County, virginia is perhaps best known for its unforgettable role in shaping American history during the Civil War.
In July of 1861, Union and Confederate forces faced off near the railroad community of Manassas Junction for the first major battle of the Civil War. Union forces expected an easy victory at Manassas. Instead, they lost 900 men in a crushing defeat, facing the realization of a long and painful conflict.
In August of 1862, the blue and grey clashed again at Manassas. The Second Battle of Manassas proved to be one of the war’s bloodiest days; 24,000 men lost their lives as the Confederates claimed another victory.
Today, visitors to Prince William County and Manassas, Virginia can traverse the hallowed grounds of Manassas National Battlefield Park and rediscover its timeless stories of courage, loss, and determination.
But the battlefield is not the region’s only memorial to the destination’s important role in the war.
Near Manassas, two earthen forts — Signal Hill and Mayfield Fort — stand as notable testaments to the region’s Civil War-era importance as a gateway to the South. A stately manor house at the Ben Lomond Historic Site — which served as a Civil War hospital and witnessed countless injuries and fatalities — again reminds visitors of the war’s difficult toll.
Today, Prince William County plays host to contests of a different, more genial type. Golf courses are the new battlegrounds in northern Virginia.
Travelers whose golf handicap doesn’t allow them to qualify for PGA-calibre play can still enjoy a round of golf in Prince William County. With 12 golf courses offering a wide variety of different play settings, travelers can tee up along the Occoquan River, in the foothills of the Bull Run mountains, on the banks of Lake Manassas, and near the historic Potomac River.
For visitors who want to enjoy the natural beauty of Prince William County without hitting the links, the destination offers two national parks, one state park and four regional and local parks. At Prince William Forest National Park, Leesylvania State Park and other sites, travelers can partake in hiking, biking, canoeing, birding, horseback riding and more.
In the spring and summer months, families can enjoy three water parks, and in the winter, a traditional outdoor ice skating rink awaits in Old Town Manassas.
For some visitors, a pride-inspiring golf scorecard or the relaxation gleaned from breathing fresh air at a park is evidence enough of a memorable and enjoyable vacation. For the rest of us, there’s shopping!
Visitors can stroll historic streets in Occoquan and Old town Manassas and visit the boutiques, antique shops, and art/craft galleries that give these towns a warm and hospitable feel. For the shopper looking for luxury products at discount prices, Potomac Mills Mall provides some of the best value shopping in the Washington, DC region.
Local Favorites & Best Kept Travel Secrets
Prince William County and Manassas offers a multitude of local attraction favorites and best kept travel secrets:
For example, did you know:
For more information call 1-800-432-1792 or visit their website at www.visitpwc.com.
