Prince William County says no demolition or site disturbance will occur before findings are released
2-Minute Brief
Topic: Old Bennett School ground-penetrating radar survey
Update: Prince William County has confirmed that the ground-penetrating radar fieldwork is complete, but the County has not yet received the preliminary or final report.
Why it matters: The survey was conducted as questions continue to be raised about Civil War burials associated with the Bennett School property. Prince William County plans to demolish the historic school as part of the Judicial Center expansion.
What Happened
The Manassas Journal contacted Prince William County on August 17 seeking an update on the ground-penetrating radar survey at Old Bennett School.
County Director of Communications and Engagement Nikki Brown confirmed that the radar work has been completed.
However, the County has not yet received preliminary or final findings from the survey.
According to the County, the report and maps will be made public after staff receives and analyzes the report and informs the Board of County Supervisors.
The County also confirmed that:
- No demolition work has begun at Old Bennett School
- No interior removal or site disturbance has begun
- No historic features or contents have been removed
- No demolition, interior removal or site disturbance is scheduled before the radar findings are released
What About the Dumpster?
Residents recently noticed a commercial dumpster positioned near Bennett School, raising questions about whether work had begun at the building.
Prince William County told the Manassas Journal that the dumpster is not related to demolition of Bennett School.
The County said it is being used for furniture renewal connected to renovations of the existing courthouse.
Why the Radar Results Matter
Historical records differ significantly over the number of Civil War graves associated with the Bennett property.
Prince William County’s current historical summary refers to two soldiers’ graves.
However, local historians have recently located original Manassas Journal articles reporting larger numbers:
- February 1911: approximately 12 to 15 graves
- May 1914: approximately 15 to 20 graves
The reason for that discrepancy has not yet been established.
The radar survey may provide additional information about possible burial locations or other subsurface features at the site.
Key Facts and Numbers
- Radar field work: Complete
- Preliminary report received by County: No
- Final report received by County: No
- Demolition begun: No
- Interior removal begun: No
- Site disturbance begun: No
- Historic materials removed: No
- Dumpster: Related to courthouse furniture renewal
- Public release: Expected after County staff reviews the report and briefs the Board of County Supervisors
What’s Next
Prince William County is now waiting to receive the radar report.
Once it is received, County staff says it will analyze the findings and inform the Board of County Supervisors before releasing the information publicly.
The Manassas Journal will continue watching for:
- Release of the radar report
- Survey maps
- Identification of possible burial locations or other anomalies
- Any recommendation for additional archaeological work
- Future demolition or construction activity at Bennett School
Read More
For the history of Old Bennett School, the Civil War graves, the Judicial Center expansion and the unusual Prince William County “doughnut hole” inside Manassas, read our previous report:
Prince William Moves Forward With Plans to Demolish Old Bennett School
Journal Note
The Manassas Journal contacted Prince William County directly for clarification after residents raised questions about the status of the ground-penetrating radar survey and a commercial dumpster seen near Bennett School.
Prince William County confirmed in writing that the radar fieldwork is complete, the County has not yet received the report, and no demolition or site disturbance is scheduled before the findings are released.
We will update this report when the radar findings become available.
