How about a school built as a memorial? The Bennet School has a unique story. It stands as a tribute to Civil War soldiers.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine Manassas in the early 1900s. The Virginia General Assembly wanted agricultural high schools. One for each of the state’s ten districts. Manassas won the bid for the eighth district. This made it the first agricultural school funded by this grant.
Dr. Maitland C. Bennett played a crucial role. He donated two acres of land. This land was near the Manassas Court House. It was a small hill perfect for a school.
During construction workers made an unexpected discovery. They found two graves. These were the graves of Civil War soldiers. A decision was made to honor these fallen soldiers. The Bennet School would become a memorial.
The Bennet School project cost $16000. In 1909 the Bennet School opened its doors. It welcomed elementary students. These students lived within a nine-mile radius. Interestingly the Bennet School never served as an agricultural high school. The student population was too large. The Ruffner School in Manassas took on that role. It expanded to accommodate agricultural and secondary students.
By the 1920s Ruffner School was overcrowded. Osbourn School was built for secondary education. It also housed the agricultural school. Later a new Osbourn School was constructed. The old Osbourn School then became the Bennet Annex. Both buildings served as the Bennet School until 1969.
A new Bennet School was built in 1969. The old Bennet School became the Prince William County Police headquarters. The Old Osbourn was torn down in 1986.
Today the Department of Public Works manages the Bennet School. The building is not publicly accessible. Its future is under review. It is part of the Judicial Center Complex Master Plan.
So the Bennet School stands as a reminder. It is a testament to education. It is a memorial to those who died in the Civil War. Its story is a blend of education and remembrance.