Like many road names throughout Prince William County, Sudley Road and Sudley Manor Road find their beginnings with the influential Carter Family.
In the 1750s, Landon Carter was deeded a portion of land from the Middle Bull Run tract in northern Prince William, eastern Loudoun, and western Fairfax counties. While Landon primarily lived in Richmond County at Sabine Hall, the task of developing the Middle Bull Run tract was given to two of his sons: John Carter and Landon Carter II.
Landon Carter II built a large plantation called Pittsylvania on this tract of land, south of Bull Run near Matthews Hill, while his brother, John Carter built his home, Sudley Mansion, north of Bull Run in Fairfax County around 1760.
Near these two plantations, the community known as Sudley, or Sudley Springs, grew throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. While historians today do not know where the town’s name specifically originates from, the community may have gotten its name from Sudley Mansion or Sudley Springs, a sulpher spring nearby with medicinal values.
Furthermore, Sudley Road and Sudley Manor Road’s names originate from this historic community. By 1817, Sudley Mills, a saw and grist mill on Catharpin Run, was in operation supplying the nearby community with wood, cornmeal and flour. In 1822, Sudley Methodist Church was built on land donated by Landon Carter II. After the Manassas Gap Railroad was completed to Gainesville in 1852, there was easier access to town resulting in the growth of Sudley. New structures in town included the Sudley Springs Hotel, built northwest of Sudley Church, near Sudley Springs, a blacksmith shop, store, and a wheelwright shop by the mid 19th Century.
The Civil War brought destruction to the Sudley community. Many buildings in the area were destroyed or heavily damaged during the two battles in Manassas. Many buildings, including Pittsylvania, Sudley Church, and the Thornberry House, were converted into field hospitals.
Pittsylvania burned down in the midst of the war in 1862. Following the war, Sudley was left in a state of disrepair, but was revived throughout the 1870s. A Pennsylvanian named Andrew B. Fetzer, restored the mills, resuming operations in 1875, and would do so for the next thirty years.
After being rebuilt, the Sudley Springs Hotel reopened in 1871. The Thornberry residence became a post office after the war. The blacksmith shop resumed operation, and two stores run by B.R. Cross and Matthew Carson reopened.
However, by the late 19th century the town again fell into decline. The Depression of 1893 forced the hotel to close and it burned in the early 1900s. The Sudley Springs Post Office closed in 1903, postage transferring to Catharpin. The mill closed in 1910 and was dismantled in the 1930s. Carter’s Sudley Mansion fell into disrepair by the early 1900s and was dismantled. Struck by lightning in 1918, Sudley Methodist Church burned down and rebuilt in 1922.
The Thornberry House still stands and is currently preserved by the National Park Service. While the historic community does not exist anymore as it did hundreds of years ago near Catharpin Run and Bull Run, there is still a Sudley today that takes its name from these historical roots.
The Sudley community today spans 1.6 miles the length of Sudley Manor Drive from Route 234 until the road ends near Splashdown Waterpark, bordering Bull Run Regional Park, containing important structures such as schools, churches, businesses, and homes that shape a community today.
This post is brought to you by the The Prince William County Historic Preservation Division
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Stafford County Public Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Spotsylvania County Public Schools will also open two hours late. Twelve-month and essential employees are expected to report on time, as safety permits. All other employees should report two hours late.
King George County Schools will follow suit, with a 2-hour delay.
Janet Brown was appointed Stafford County’s citizen representative to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board following a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors during their January 21, 2025, meeting. Brown’s appointment comes as the county looks to strengthen ties with the regional library system and improve its collaborative efforts to enhance library services.
Brown, a longtime Stafford resident and active community member, brings a wealth of experience in civic engagement and public service. “I am honored to represent Stafford County and look forward to working with the library board to ensure our community has access to the best resources and services,” Brown stated following her appointment. Her term will begin immediately.
The appointment follows a challenging period for the county’s relationship with the library board. During the same meeting, Chairman Deuntay Diggs issued a public apology to former library board member Mary Becelia, who was removed from her position under allegations of misconduct.
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This lovable dog walks wonderfully on a leash and enjoys exploring the outdoors. She’s eager to learn new things and thrives on positive interactions with people. While Daphne is quiet and calm in her kennel, her excitement is evident every time someone walks by—she’s always ready for a chance to play and explore outside.
If you’re looking for a loyal and energetic companion to brighten your days, Daphne could be the perfect fit.
Visit her during adoption hours at the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter, located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit their website at Spotsylvania Animal Shelter.
Help Daphne find the loving home she deserves—stop by today!
Join the fun at the Manassas Winter Market on Saturday, January 25, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Prince William Street Commuter Lot in Historic Downtown Manassas. Shop for baked goods, fresh produce, warm beverages, and other seasonal delights while supporting local vendors. The market runs every Saturday through March 22, making it the perfect spot to stock up your pantry and enjoy cozy winter vibes.
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Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
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What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
