Prince William County leaders are moving forward with an effort to rename Jefferson Davis Highway.
The Board of County Supervisors on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, will hear details of a plan that would rename 12 miles of the four and six-lane highway, between Stafford and Fairfax county lines, Richmond Highway.
If approved, the name change is expected to cost the county $1.2 million. When the fiscal effects to the multiple businesses that will be affected by the name change, the price tag could soar to as much as $3.4 million, according to county documents.
The county documents state:
“Route 1 runs the entire eastern length of the County from the Fairfax County line to the Stafford County line, spans 12 miles, three Magisterial Districts and the Town of Dumfries and contains nearly a thousand addresses, which are predominantly commercial.
A street name change sets into motion numerous internal and external processes pertaining to addressing, businesses licensing, permits and emergency response.”
If the Board of County Supervisors chooses to move ahead with the renaming plan, it will vote on Tuesday to petition the Commonwealth Transportation Board in Richmond for permission. In July, the Fredericksburg City Council voted to petition Richmond to change the name of its portion of the highway.
A 2012 law prohibited localities from changing the street name. Last year, Attorney General Mark Herring issued an opinion stating a locality could petition the Commonwealth Transportation Board to change the name, which Arlington did successfully last year.
Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin advocated for the name change in June, following the a riot that took place in the county after the death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd, which sparked national outrage.
In 2017, former Woodbridge Supervisor Frank Principi failed at his bid to rename the highway.
Most of U.S. Route 1 in Virginia is named for Jefferson Davis, who was president of the Confederate States from 1861 to 1865. Fredericksburg is also exploring a possible name change for the highway.
Recent Stories
Step back in time and experience history firsthand at Ben Lomond Historic Site in Manassas, VA. Built in 1832, this remarkable home once served as a Confederate field hospital during the Battle of First Manassas. Today, visitors can explore its preserved rooms, complete with Civil War-era graffiti left by Union soldiers, as well as the original slave quarters, smokehouse, and dairy that tell the story of the people who lived and worked here.
Stroll Through History – Don’t miss the fragrant Rose Garden, featuring one of the largest collections of antique roses in the region.
Engaging Tours – Open Friday-Monday, 10 AM-4 PM, with guided tours at 11 AM and 2 PM. Admission: $5 per person, free for children under six.
Accessible Experiences – Enjoy 360° Virtual Tour tablets and foreign language guides in French, Italian, German, Chinese, and Spanish—available at no extra cost!
Volunteer With Us! – Love Civil War history or gardening? Join our team and help preserve this incredible piece of Prince William County’s past.
Visit us at 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA 20109
(703) 367-7872 | ? historicpreservation@pwcgov.org
Plan your visit today and experience history like never before!
We want to improve our newsletter, and we need your input! Based on early survey responses, readers have asked for:
More Local Government and Budget Coverage – Transparency matters! Please tell us what government topics you want us to cover.
A Better Newsletter Design – Is the layout working for you? Let us know how we can improve readability and navigation.
More Coverage of Manassas Park and Stafford – If you live in these areas, what local stories do you want to see more of?
Now it’s your turn! Please complete our short survey and help us continue delivering the news that matters most to you.
Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega is pushing to cancel the long-debated Route 28 Bypass project, a multi-year effort designed to alleviate congestion on Route 28 by extending Godwin Drive to connect Manassas with Dulles Airport. The Prince William Board of County Supervisors is set to vote on her resolution during its meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. The project, initially endorsed in September 2020, was meant to relieve congestion on Route 28 by constructing a four-lane divided bypass extending Godwin Drive across Sudley Road. The road would have connected with Route 28 at a signalized intersection north of Bull Run Stream in Fairfax County.
If you’re searching for a loyal companion with a heart as big as his head, look no further than Hugo! This magnificent 4-year-old Mastiff-mix weighs in at 114 pounds, but don’t let his size fool you—he’s a gentle giant with a sweet and easy-going nature.
Hugo loves nothing more than taking leisurely strolls on nature trails, often checking in with his walking buddy to make sure you’re right there with him. His previous owner shared that he gets along well with children and other dogs, though he can be a little nervous around new people. Because of this, Hugo would do best in a quiet home with a patient owner who can help him build his confidence.If you’re searching for a loyal companion with a heart as big as his head, look no further than Hugo! This magnificent 4-year-old Mastiff-mix weighs in at 114 pounds, but don’t let his size fool you—he’s a gentle giant with a sweet and easy-going nature.
Hugo loves nothing more than taking leisurely strolls on nature trails, often checking in with his walking buddy to make sure you’re right there with him. His previous owner shared that he gets along well with children and other dogs, though he can be a little nervous around new people. Because of this, Hugo would do best in a quiet home with a patient owner who can help him build his confidence.
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! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
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.