Brentsville, Dumfries, Manassas have stops on new Virginia History Trails

The 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution, recently launched the Virginia History Trails app, featuring sites in Northern Virginia. Travelers, families, Virginians and history lovers can easily access 400 years of Virginia history through the app. Northern Virginia residents can be a “tourist in their own town” this summer by exploring the sites on the app. The Virginia History Trails app is free and available for download on Google Play and the App Store at the American Evolution website, http://www.americanevolution2019.com/programs/virginiahistorytrails/

In a statement in May, Governor Ralph Northam highlighted the importance of the app in bringing awareness to Virginia History.

“The 2019 Commemoration’s Virginia History Trails app demonstrates how technology can enhance engagement with important historical knowledge and information,” said Governor Ralph Northam in his official announcement. “Virginia’s history is America’s history and the app is one of several American Evolution legacy projects that will continue to engage visitors in Virginia history for years to come.”

Curated by the Library of Virginia and Virginia Humanities, The Virginia History Trails contains over 400 stories and more than 200 historic places in Virginia. The Virginia History Trails app’s intuitive interface allows users to create their own profiles and “check-in” at sites or share updates using the hashtag #VAHistoryTrails to earn badges. Users can immerse themselves in a themed trail that winds across the region and the entire Commonwealth. They can also employ the app’s GPS feature to find nearby historical sites and immediately transform their surroundings into a live history experience.

The app also offers information about 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution events, and announcements. The 20 themed trails on the app include more than 35 sites and stories in Northern Virginia including:

Aldie
Aldie Mill Historic Park
Alexandria
Alexandria Black History Museum
Carlyle House Historic Park
Christ Church (Alexandria)
Domestic Slave Trade (Lumpkin’s Jail; Franklin & Armfield; Omohundro; Hector Davis)
Gadsby’s Tavern
Pope-Leighey House
Restored Government of Virginia
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Torpedo Factory Art Center
Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site
Annandale
Leslie Larkin Byrne
Arlington
Carter v. School Board of Arlington County (Esther Cooper)
Columbia Pike
DEA Museum & Visitors Center
Richard Evelyn Byrd
Bristow
Brentsville Historic Jail
Chantilly
The National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center
Dumfries
Tobacco Inspection Act of 1730
Fairfax
Fairfax Museum & Visitor Center
Falls Church
Eden Center
Fort Belvoir
Ferdinando Fairfax
Fort Myer
Arlington National Cemetery and Monuments
Herndon
Frying Pan Baptist Meeting House
Leesburg
Leesburg Historic District
Thomas Balch Library
Lorton
Lucy Burns Museum
Manassas
First/Second Battle of Manassas
Manassas Industrial School for Colored Youth (Jennie Dean)
McLean
Great Falls Park (Patowmack Canal)
Mount Vernon
George Washington
Martha Dandridge Custis Washington
Mount Vernon
Reedville
Reedville Historic District
Warrenton
War Conference (1988 LGBT meeting)
Warrenton Historic District

The app aims to encourage tourism to all regions of the state. Learn more about Virginia History Trails and download the app on the American Evolution website at http://www.americanevolution2019.com/programs/virginiahistorytrails/

The 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution™, highlights events that occurred in Virginia in 1619 that continue to influence America today. Featured programs, events, and legacy projects will position Virginia as a leader in education, tourism, and economic development. American Evolution commemorates the ongoing journey toward the key ideals democracy, diversity, and opportunity. The 2019 Commemoration is a public-private partnership with support from the Virginia General Assembly, Founding Partner Dominion Resources and Virginia Colony Partners Altria Group and TowneBank.