Centreville
Located near I26, Route 29 and Route 66, Centreville, Virginia is located in Fairfax County and is a suburb of Washington D.C. Located 20 miles west of Washington D.C, Centreville is a great commuter location for those working in the capital. Centreville has a diverse racial makeup and a young population, with almost half of its residents being in the 18-24 age bracket. Today, Centreville is a modernized city, densely populated.
Centreville dates back to the colonial period, around 1760, during which it was known as Newgate. During the civil war, the area was heavily fortified, and was the site of the first railroad ever built exclusively for military use – the Centreville Military Railroad. In the late 1990’s Centreville grew exponentially, as a result of the influx of businesses to the area. Today Centreville, Virginia is a densely populated area.
The town got its name when local landowners petitioned the Virginia General Assembly to establish the area as the center point between many of the other more established towns in both Virginia and Washington D.C. Today, Centreville sits in the center of Alexandria, Colchester, Dumfries, Middleburg, Georgetown, Warrenton and Leesburg.
Old Stone Church
The Old Stone Church is a site of great historic significance for the people of Centreville. Originally built by the members of the Centreville Methodist Episcopal Church in 1854, the Old Stone Church would soon play a pivotal part in the civil war. By the start of the war, the church had become the first designated Union Army surgical hospital. During the war, this would-be hospital saw a number of casualties during the Battle of Blackburns Ford, as well as during the first and second Battle of Manassas.
As the civil war waged on, the church would change hands between the confederate and union forces stationed in Virginia a number of times. After the war, the church remained unoccupied for a number of years, until the Centreville Methodist Church took possession of it in 1939. In the 1940’s, servicemen who had returned from World War II constructed the Parish Hall, which still remains a part of the Old Stone Church to this day.
Today, the Old Stone Church is known as The Church of The Ascension, having been purchased in 1973 by the Anglican Catholic Church.
Bull Run Regional Park
Bull Run Regional Park is a popular spot for residents of Centreville for picnics, camping and special events. The park is comprised of over 1,500 acres of woodlands and natural space, with miles of trails for hiking. During the spring, wildflowers bloom along the park, alongside a nearby stream. From Memorial day through Labor Day, a selection of outdoor pools is also open to the public.
Located alongside the park, Atlantis Waterpark features pools, a giant dumping bucket, waterslides and activities for all ages to enjoy. The waterpark also features a snack bar for hungry families. No matter what kind of outdoor activity you’re looking for, there’s fun to be had the Bull Run.
The park hosts a number of events throughout the year, including the Bull Run Festival of Lights. Disc golf is also available to visitors year round, as is the Bull Run Regional Park Shooting Center. The Bull Run Shooting Center offers 5 different shotgun games for shooters of all ages and skill levels, as well as a learn-to-shoot class for new shooters. Certified trainers are also available for experienced shooters looking to hone their skills. Rental guns are available, and there is a pro shop located on the grounds as well.