Because of its central location within the new county, Brent Town became Prince William Court House around 1820 (since Dumfries was too far east).

As a Loyalist who died in England in 1776, Robert Bristow's lands were declared escheated to the state in 1779 (although a son contested the loss of 7,500 acres).

Parts of the former Bristow portion were auctioned in 1834, with the proceeds called the Literary Fund and to be used for educational purposes.

[4] The town prospered after construction of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, although Manassas Junction became even more important economically, and started campaigning to become the county seat.

Prince William County bought the Union Church and other properties in 1997 to create a Brentsville Historical Area Park.