Massive Data Center Complex Planned Near Manassas Battlefield

Supporters tout tax revenue, but preservationists warn of harm to historic land and rural quality of life

Feb. 27, 2026 at 7:39am

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A 37-building Digital Gateway data center complex is planned beside Manassas National Battlefield Park, and legal challenges over its approval are now before the Virginia Court of Appeals. Supporters say it could bring hundreds of millions in county tax revenue, while preservationists, nearby residents, and historians warn of potential damage to historic land, buried soldiers, and the rural character of the area.

Why it matters

The proposed data center complex has sparked a debate over the balance between economic development and preserving historic sites and rural communities. Supporters argue it will boost the local tax base, but critics are concerned about the impact on the Manassas Battlefield and the surrounding region.

The details

The 37-building Digital Gateway data center complex is planned to be constructed adjacent to the Manassas National Battlefield Park. Supporters say the project could generate hundreds of millions in tax revenue for Prince William County, but preservationists, nearby residents, and historians have raised concerns about the potential harm to the historic battlefield site and the rural character of the area.

  • The legal challenges over the approval of the data center complex are currently before the Virginia Court of Appeals.

The players

Digital Gateway

The company planning to build the 37-building data center complex near the Manassas Battlefield.

Manassas National Battlefield Park

A national park that preserves the site of two major Civil War battles and is located near the proposed data center complex.

Prince William County

The county where the proposed data center complex would be located, and which could potentially benefit from the tax revenue it would generate.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The Virginia Court of Appeals will decide on the legal challenges to the approval of the data center complex.

The takeaway

The proposed data center complex highlights the ongoing tension between economic development and preserving historic sites and rural communities. As local governments seek to boost their tax bases, they must carefully weigh the potential benefits against the risks to the environment and cultural heritage of their regions.