as part of its Park Central redevelopment, city officials planned for dense housing next to the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) station
as part of its Park Central redevelopment, city officials planned for dense housing next to the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) station
In 1955, demand for low-cost housing near Washington DC stimulated developers to build new subdivisions near the Town of Manassas. Prince William County officials authorized over 1,500 new houses. Houses were advertised as being just 45 minutes away from Washington.
By 1957 there were 2,500 residents. They got the General District Court to establish Manassas Park as a town, facilitating construction of water and sewer facilities. The town expanded by annexing 600 acres within Prince William County in 1974, and like the nearby Town of Manassas became an independent city in 1975. Manassas Park was the last city to be created in Virginia before the General Assembly imposed a moratorium.
Public confusion between Manassas Park and Manassas led to a proposal in 1961 to change the name. In the end no action was taken, but options included Stonehaven, Redstone or Redrock, Lomond Park, and McLor. McClor:1
Signal Hill Park was an isolated part of Manassas Park until a boundary adjustment with Prince William County in 2019
Source: City of Manassas Park, City Facilities Map