EXPLORE RELIC: APRIL 2025

Mapping the Past: Prince William County's Kings Highway

Written by Mary Kitiyakara, Senior Librarian/RELIC Manager

RELIC has extensive files, books, pictures, and maps on various topics available for researchers, such as roads and streets in Prince William County. The Local History Tour Group recently visited Neabsco Regional Park; after going through the history of the location here in RELIC, a common theme came up: the Kings Highway. 

 

The history of Kings Highway is just as significant to the history of Prince William and colonial America as some of the historical buildings surrounding it. It has evolved along with the settlements that used it; however, its origins begin with the Indigenous people and their pathways through the coastal interior and waterways. The waterways were used for the transport of goods and people. The interior pathways were efficient for bringing messages to and from various settlements. According to various sources, the name of this pathway was Potomac, but it may have had a name that was more in keeping with the Indigenous people who used it.

 

During colonial times, these pathways were not useful to the European settlers due to the incompatibility of their forms of transportation, such as carts, wagons, and horses. Communication and transportation between the spread-out colonies were done by using ships that were not meant for short-distance travel, and this sometimes led to sinking or losing their way. 

 

The Kings Highway was ordered by King Charles II, and work began in the mid-17th century and was completed in the 18th century. It was not a perfect solution due to poor maintenance, but it led to colonial Virginia’s passing of one of the first road maintenance laws. 

 

We will continue the history of this road in future newsletters.

DIGITAL LIBRARY FEATURE

HeritageQuest

HeritageQuest combines digital, searchable images of U.S. federal census records with the digitized version of the popular UMI® Genealogy and Local History collection. Coverage extends from 1700 to the present.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Crafting with Cricut: Farmer's Market Tote Bags: Central

Adults

Thursday, April 3, 2:00 p.m.



Learn how to make an adorable tote bag for fresh produce with our Cricut machine! First come, first served while supplies last.

Come Grow with Us: Starting Plants from Seed and Seed Swap: Chinn Park

Adults

Saturday, April 5, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.



Hosted by the Garden Club of Lake Ridge, join us for an informative indoor presentation and an interactive outdoor seed-planting session. Plant seeds in containers to take home and participate in a seed swap.

History and a Book Group: Central

Adults

Tuesday, April 15, 6:00 p.m.


This month, we will discuss “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer. If you’d like to join virtually, email librelic@pwcgov.org for the Webex link.

Pyrite Mine Hike at Prince William Forest Park

Young Adults/Adults

Saturday, April 19, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.



We’ll meet a ranger at 10:00 a.m. at Parking Lot D on Prince William Forest Park's Scenic Drive for a two-hour hike. Explore the mining history and the historic communities of the park as you tour the remains of the Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine. We recommend you bring water and bug spray and wear comfortable hiking shoes. Registration required.

Start your historical journey here. RELIC's email newsletter highlights upcoming free events and happenings. Genealogy and local Virginia history are our specialties as a service provided by Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL). You can always find more about us on RELIC's webpage


RELIC service is available:

In-person at Central Library (8601 Mathis Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110), by email at librelic@pwcgov.org, and by phone at 703–792–8380


Hours of Operation

Monday–Wednesday: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Thursday–Friday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

First and Third Saturdays: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Closed Sunday


Due to a staff shortage, RELIC is not always staffed during the above hours. However, the room is available, and service desk staff or substitutes can often help. Please call ahead for staffed hours if you need RELIC staff to be present.


Ask the Tree Doctor

If you wish to make an appointment with Darlene Hunter, RELIC Tree Hunter, please email librelic@pwcgov.org or call 703–792–8380.

Download our Explore magazine, or grab one at your nearest library, to learn more about our upcoming programs.

Questions and comments are always welcome.
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