National Register Listings in
Fairfax County, Virginia

29 Diner "A" Fort and Battery Hill Redoubt-Camp Early Belvoir Mansion Ruins and the Fairfax Grave Blenheim Bloomfield Bois Doré Bowman, A. Smith, Distillery City of Fairfax Historic District Clifton Historic District Colvin Run Mill Cornwell Farm D.C. Workhouse and Reformatory Historic District Dranesville Tavern Fairfax Arms Fairfax County Courthouse Fairfax County Courthouse and Jail (Boundary Increase) Fairfax Public School Floris Historic District Fort Hunt Four Stairs Freeman Store Frying Pan Meetinghouse Great Falls Grange Hall and Forestville School Great Falls Park Historic District Green Spring Gunnell, John, House Gunnell, William, House Gunston Hall Herndon Depot Herndon Historic District Hollin Hills Historic District Holmes Run Acres Historic District Hope Park Mill and Miller's House Huntley Lake Anne Village Center Historic District Langley Fork Historic District Merrybrook Mount Vernon Mount Vernon High School Northwest No. 3 Boundary Marker of the Original District of Columbia Oak Hill Oakton Trolley Station Pohick Church Pope-Leighey House Potomac Canal Historic District Ratcliffe-Logan-Allison House Salona Silverbook Methodist Church Spring Hill Farm St. Mary's Church Sully Sydenstricker School Taft Archeological Site #029-5411 Tauxemont Historic District Tower House U. S. Geological Survey National Center Vale School-Community House Washington's, George, Distillery and Gristmill Woodlawn Plantation Woodlawn Plantation (Boundary Increase) Woodlawn Quaker Meetinghouse
The first slave ship to arrive in the American colonies landed in Virginia in 1619. Virginia became a center of the transatlantic slave trade, and by 1860, Virginia had the largest population of enslaved people in the United States.
Virginia random facts
Fairfax County, located in the northern part of the Commonwealth of Virginia, has a rich and diverse history dating back to the 17th century. First settled by English colonists in the early 1600s, the area was home to Native American tribes such as the Doeg and Tauxenent. In 1742, Fairfax County was officially established and named after Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, who was the proprietor of the Northern Neck of Virginia.

During the American Revolution, Fairfax County played a significant role as it was strategically positioned between the new nation's capital, Philadelphia, and the southern colonies. George Washington, a resident of Mount Vernon in Fairfax County, played a vital role in the Revolution and would later become the nation's first president. The county also saw some military action, including the Battle of Brandywine, which occurred nearby in Pennsylvania.

In the 19th century, Fairfax County experienced growth and transformation. The construction of the Alexandria Canal in the early 1800s facilitated trade and transportation in the region. The arrival of the railroad in the 1850s brought further economic development and prompted the growth of towns and industries. However, like many areas in the country, it was deeply affected by the Civil War. Several significant battles, including the First and Second Battles of Manassas (Bull Run), were fought in the county, leaving a lasting impact.

In the 20th century, Fairfax County experienced rapid growth as a result of its proximity to Washington, D.C. The establishment of the Pentagon and other defense-related installations during World War II led to an influx of federal government workers and the expansion of business and industry. The county's population boomed, and it became a center for technology and innovation. Today, Fairfax County is a thriving suburban community, known for its vibrant economy, excellent schools, and diverse population.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Fairfax County, Virginia.

  • 1634 - Fairfax County was founded as part of the Northern Neck Proprietary
  • 1742 - Fairfax County was officially established by the Virginia colonial government
  • 1757 - The county courthouse was completed in present-day Fairfax
  • 1774 - Fairfax County became a hub of revolutionary activity
  • 1789 - George Washington's Mount Vernon estate became part of Fairfax County
  • 1861-1865 - Fairfax County was occupied by Union forces during the Civil War
  • 1959 - The Fairfax County Parkway was completed, improving transportation in the area
  • 1961 - The Tysons Corner Center, now one of the largest shopping malls in the United States, opened
  • 1980 - The Washington Metro's Orange Line opened, connecting Fairfax County to Washington, D.C.
  • 2010 - Fairfax County celebrated its 275th anniversary