Prince William County Historic Preservation

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.

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.

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.