Loch Lomond Elementary School opened in 1961 to serve the growing communities on the north side of Manassas. The land, once part of the historic Ben Lomond property, was donated by developer C.D. Hylton. Its design was unusual—a central main building connected to two circular classroom wings surrounding a courtyard, linked by open walkways.
In Prince William County, this architectural style became known as the “Bailey Building,” named after architect Earl B. Bailey. While Bailey had designed several schools in Fairfax and Loudoun counties, Loch Lomond departed from his typical designs. The concept quickly gained popularity, inspiring similar designs at Baldwin, Featherstone, Westgate, Elizabeth Vaughan, and Marumsco Hills elementary schools. These circular layouts were intended to maximize space while keeping construction costs low.
A significant chapter in the school’s history began in 1964 when Zella Brown, a all-Black Antioch-McRae Elementary School teacher, was reassigned to Loch Lomond. She was one of the “Courageous Four,” a group of Black educators who took positions at previously all-white schools, helping to integrate Prince William County Public Schools—ten years after the Supreme Court ruled segregation unconstitutional.
Over the decades, Loch Lomond saw shifts in its student population. The creation of the independent Manassas Park school system and severe flooding from Hurricane Agnes in the 1970s contributed to fluctuations in enrollment. Despite these changes, the school’s structure remained largely unaltered until the mid-1990s, when the open walkways were enclosed. A new classroom addition followed in 2013.
While Baldwin Elementary was replaced in 2016 by the City of Manassas, Featherstone, Westgate, Elizabeth Vaughan, and Marumsco Hills elementary schools have been modified but continue to serve students. Today, Loch Lomond remains a vital part of its community, representing both innovative school design and a significant moment in local history.
The Prince William County Historic Preservation Division sponsors this post.
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, (703) 367-7872 or [email protected]
Plan your visit today and experience history like never before!
Hidden in plain sight, the Barnes House Historic Site offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of Prince William County. Nestled in a serene setting, this charming 19th-century home stands as a testament to the area’s cultural heritage.
Originally built in the mid-1800s, the Barnes House offers a rare look at the past through its preserved architecture and surrounding grounds. It was once home to the Barnes family, who played a significant role in the local community. Today, the site provides visitors with an educational experience about life in Prince William County during the 1800s, showcasing its unique history and connection to the area’s early settlers.
While many residents are familiar with the more prominent landmarks, the Barnes House is an often-overlooked gem that offers a peaceful escape into history. Its quiet location makes it a perfect stop for history enthusiasts, families, or anyone seeking to explore the lesser-known sites that make our community special.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, take a moment to visit this historic gem. The Barnes House offers a step back in time and a chance to connect with the community’s past, all while enjoying the beauty and charm of this unique historic site.
Visit the Barnes House Historic Site today, and experience one of the many hidden treasures that make Prince William County so special. For more information, check out their official page here.
Travel in the 18th century was an adventure filled with challenges. Roads were rough, weather unpredictable, and inns often crowded and uncomfortable. While a journey that takes an hour by car today might have taken days by horseback, these struggles shaped the lives of colonial Virginians and tell the story of a bygone era.
Prince William County invites you to step back in time and explore preserved portions of the King’s Highway, an essential travel route of the American colonies. This historic path connected Boston to Charleston, serving as a lifeline for trade, communication, and movement during colonial times. Travelers like George Washington braved these routes, often relying on the hospitality of friends or local citizens for lodging—choosing a friendly bed over the shared accommodations of a bustling tavern.
Now, you can follow in their footsteps by visiting sections of the King’s Highway along the Prince William Revolutionary War Trail. Imagine the journeys of those who shaped our nation as you walk these historic routes, marveling at how far we’ve come from the days of muddy ruts and slow travel by carriage or horseback.
Explore history where it happened! Visit Prince William County’s historic properties and preserved trails to experience the stories of resilience, ingenuity, and community that built the foundation of America.
Learn more about the Prince William Revolutionary War Trail and plan your visit today! Click here to start your journey.
Preserving history, connecting communities.
Date: February 19, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Tin Cannon Brewing Co., 7679 Limestone Dr. STE 130, Gainesville, VA
The Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation and Prince William County Parks & Recreation invite you to a special evening celebrating the rich presidential history of Northern Virginia.
Join us at Tin Cannon Brewing Company for an engaging panel of historians as they delve into fascinating stories of presidents, landmarks, and pivotal moments in American history tied to this region. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for an entertaining and educational night out, this event offers a unique way to blend learning with local craft beer.
Highlights:
- Insightful discussions led by expert historians
- Fun, casual atmosphere perfect for history lovers and newcomers alike
- No cost to attend – it’s FREE!
Bring your friends, enjoy a craft beer, and toast to the historical richness of our community.
For more information, contact 703-792-1731. Don’t miss this blend of history, culture, and local flavor!
Uriah’s note: Welcome to another installment of our History and Heritage Feature Series, which was made possible through the support of Sentara. This series celebrates the rich cultural heritage and history of Prince William County, Stafford County, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Fredericksburg.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors is advancing plans for a Revolutionary War Memorial at the historic Williams Ordinary in Dumfries, supported by an $81,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Historical Resources (VDHR) Virginia 250 Preservation Fund.
The project aims to honor the county’s contributions to the American Revolution while shedding light on the diverse individuals who helped shape the nation’s founding.
The memorial, estimated to cost $122,000, will feature an outdoor commemorative space and is part of a broader effort to revitalize Williams Ordinary. The project is contingent on a local match of $41,000, which the Prince William Historic Preservation Foundation is actively raising. To date, $31,000 has been secured, with $10,000 remaining to meet the January 31, 2025, deadline to finalize the grant agreement.
“This particular project is part of a larger project to transform Williams Ordinary into a more publicly facing historic site,” said Bill Backus, a preservationist with the county’s Office of Historic Preservation. “This particular project is to create an outdoor memorial space for the American Revolutionary War experience in Prince William County, highlighting the roles of both men and women, free and enslaved, white and Black residents and non-residents of Prince William County, who created the United States with their actions between 1776 and 1783.”
The memorial will also include the history of Batestown, a historic African American community near Dumfries. Potomac District Supervisor Andrea Bailey emphasized its inclusion, stating, “This will also include part of a larger project within the building itself to highlight some of the communities in that part of Prince William County, including the historic African American community of Batestown, Virginia.”
The Prince William County Historical Commission passed a resolution on August 13, 2024, endorsing the project and the grant application. The project aligns with the Virginia 250 Preservation Fund’s goal of enhancing historic sites in preparation for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
“This is an incredible opportunity to tell the full story of Prince William County during the American Revolution,” said Supervisor Bailey during the discussion. “It’s about honoring everyone’s contributions to the founding of our nation.”
The memorial will be accompanied by improvements to Williams Ordinary, turning the historic site into an educational and commemorative space for residents and visitors. The design concept, previously approved by the Board as part of its 2024 work plan, aims to connect the community with the rich history of the Revolutionary era.
With the Board’s anticipated ratification of the $81,000 grant and the Foundation’s ongoing fundraising efforts, construction on the Revolutionary War Memorial is expected to begin in late 2025. Completion is targeted ahead of the 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026.
“This memorial will serve as a focal point for education and reflection,” said Backus. “It will connect our present-day community with the stories of courage and perseverance that defined the Revolutionary era.”
Williams Ordinary, on Route 1 in Dumfries, is one of the oldest surviving colonial-era taverns in the state and a key landmark in Prince William County’s history. Built in the mid-18th century, the two-story brick structure is renowned for its distinctive Flemish bond brickwork and grand architecture, which were uncommon for taverns of its time.
Dear Readers,
We are excited to announce the launch of our History and Heritage Feature Series, sponsored by Sentara. This special series celebrates the rich cultural heritage and history of Prince William County, Stafford County, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Fredericksburg.
We will delve into the historical events, landmarks, and personal stories that have shaped our communities. From in-depth articles on significant historical milestones to spotlights on notable landmarks and engaging oral histories from long-time residents, our series aims to connect you with the past in a meaningful and enlightening way.
We are proud to partner with Sentara, a name synonymous with community involvement and support. Sentara’s sponsorship helps make this series possible, allowing us to bring these important stories to you while highlighting their commitment to preserving our local history.
Join us as we explore the places, events, and people that tell the story of our region’s past. Understanding our history is crucial to building a better future and maintaining the rich traditions that define us.
Thank you for your continued support of local journalism.
Uriah Kiser
Founder & Publisher
Potomac Local News
Combining Historical and Environmental Education
Prince William County’s Historic Preservation Division has unveiled plans for a new addition to the Rippon Lodge Historic Site in Woodbridge: a Nature and Interpretive Center combining historical and environmental education. The project promises to serve as a hub for learning and exploration, reflecting the rich history of the site and the surrounding region while promoting environmental stewardship.
Rich Historical Legacy of Rippon Lodge
Rippon Lodge, dating back to the 1740s, stands as one of the oldest homes in Prince William County. Over the years, it has undergone significant preservation efforts led by the county’s Historic Preservation Office, with support from the Board of County Supervisors and various grants. “Rippon Lodge is one of the county’s treasures,” said Sharon Pandak, treasurer of the Prince William Historic Preservation Foundation and a key project advocate. “This center will help preserve its rich legacy, spanning from colonial times to the present, and highlight the diversity of communities—enslaved people, Native Americans, and others—who shaped this region.”
A Dual-Focus Center
The new Nature and Interpretive Center is designed to be a comprehensive educational facility, blending historical interpretation with environmental science. Bill Backus of the county’s Historic Preservation Division emphasized the importance of this dual focus. “We’re aiming to create a space where visitors can learn about both the colonial history of the area and the natural resources along Neabsco Creek,” said Backus. “The center will also serve as an environmental hub, helping to fill a gap for Prince William residents.”
The center will be located southwest of the main Rippon Lodge property, offering scenic views of the Potomac River and close proximity to the Neabsco Boardwalk Regional Park. “This is Prince William County’s answer to Huntley Meadows,” said Pandak, referring to the 1,500-acre wetland area near Alexandria.”We hope to make it even better.” The design is still flexible, but plans include historical exhibits, an environmental education pavilion, and space for community gatherings and events.
Community Impact and Vision
The center will serve as both a museum and a nature center, making it a unique resource for the county. According to Backus, the center’s location near the Neabsco Boardwalk offers “a wonderful opportunity to engage with local wildlife and ecosystems while also exploring the history of eastern Prince William County.”
The Neabsco Creek Boardwalk, part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, offers visitors an immersive experience in one of Woodbridge’s most valuable natural assets—the Potomac River waterfront. Stretching 3,300 feet and measuring 10 feet wide, the boardwalk traverses Neabsco Creek, providing a gateway to the region’s wetlands. These wetlands play a vital role in the ecosystem, with their tall grasses and marshlands naturally filtering pollution from the river while creating a rich habitat for various wildlife.
Among the winged species that call the area home are great blue herons, wood ducks, mallards, sparrows, and red-The boardwalk features two observation decks—one two-level and one single-level—as well as three overlooks, each offering stunning views of the surrounding wetlands.
As part of the broader Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, which Congress established in 1983, the boardwalk links historic landmarks such as Rippon Lodge and Leesylvania State Park. The Potomac Heritage Trail stretches over 800 miles, winding through Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. This network of trails not only preserves natural beauty but also connects visitors to the region’s rich history.
The project will enhance public access to the site and generate revenue through private events such as weddings and corporate gatherings. “It’s a stunning location,” said Pandak. “I’ve always thought it would be perfect for weddings or community events, and this center will open up those possibilities, all while supporting ongoing preservation work.”
Funding and Timeline
The project is expected to cost several million dollars, with contributions from donations, corporate sponsors, and local government funding. “We’re looking at a five-year timeline, but it all depends on funding,” said Pandak. “We’re hopeful that a large portion will come from contributions, and we’ve already begun initial fundraising efforts.”
Backus added, “The exact cost will depend on the final design, but we’re estimating at least a couple of million dollars. We’ll need support from the Board of Supervisors, as well as state-level funding, to make this a reality.”
Future Opportunities and Community Support
In addition to its educational role, the center is expected to host community events, educational programs, and tour groups. It will also generate income for ongoing restoration efforts at Rippon Lodge, contributing to its long-term preservation.
“This project will be transformative for Rippon Lodge and for the broader community,” said Pandak. “We encourage residents and local businesses to get involved and support our efforts through donations.”
For more information or to contribute to the project, visit the Prince William Historic Preservation Foundation’s website at preservepw.org.
This center promises to deepen the public’s connection to Prince William County’s history while fostering a new appreciation for the area’s environmental beauty. As Pandak stated, “This is our gift to the community—a place where history and nature come together for future generations to enjoy.”
