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History of Fairfax, Virginia, USA
Journey back in time to Fairfax, Virginia, USA
(Providence)
Explore Fairfax, Virginia, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Fairfax Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!
The city derives its name from Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, who was awarded five million acres of land in northern Virginia by King Charles. The area that the city now encompasses was settled in the early 18th century by farmers from Virginia's Tidewater region. The town of "Providence" was established on the site by an act of the state legislature in 1805.
The town (then described as a village) was the scene of the first land battle of the Civil War, the Battle of Fairfax Court House. On June 1, 1861, a Union scouting party clashed with the local militia, though neither side gained an advantage. A second battle was waged two years later on June 27, 1863. At the Battle of Fairfax Court House (June 1863), Union troops were defeated. However, the battle delayed the movements of Confederate cavalry chief Jeb Stuart, with disastrous consequences for Lee at Gettysburg a few days later.
Fairfax was officially renamed the "Town of Fairfax" in 1874. It was incorporated as a city in 1961, and under Virginia law was separated from Fairfax County (though it remains the county seat).
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Explore even more about Fairfax, Virginia, USA. Keep reading!
Fairfax Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Fairfax, Virginia, USA
Postcard
 - Fairfax, Virginia around 1900){kind=small}
Fairfax, Virginia around 1900
Fairfax, Virginia, USA
Postcard
 - Old Court House Well){kind=small}
Old Court House Well
Fairfax, Virginia, USA
Postcard
 - Hy-way Motel){kind=small}
Hy-way Motel
Fairfax, Virginia, USA
Postcard
 - Circle Motor Court, Fairfax, Va.){kind=small}
Circle Motor Court, Fairfax, Va.
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to FAIRFAX
MY Family Survived 250 Years — Barely | America’s 250th Birthday Genealogy Coffee Mug (1776–2026)
Created to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday (1776–2026), this genealogy-themed coffee mug is perfect for anyone whose family tree has weathered wars, migrations, scandals, reunions, and that one ancestor no one talks about anymore.
Bookmark - I’m just here for the family secrets!
Unlock the mysteries of your family tree with a touch of humor! This sleek aluminum bookmark features the witty slogan, 'I’m just here for the family secrets,' making it the perfect accessory for genealogy buffs, mystery lovers, or anyone diving into historical records.
Discover Fairfax: History, News, Travel, and Stories
1854 - Fairfax Court House
Fairfax Court House, a small town, capital of Fairfax county, Virginia, 120 miles N. from Richmond, and 21 miles W. from Washington, contains the county buildings, and from 200 to 300 inhabitants.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
Fairfax Court House, a small town, capital of Fairfax county, Virginia, 120 miles N. from Richmond, and 21 miles W. from Washington, contains the county buildings, and from 200 to 300 inhabitants.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
1895 - Fairfax Court House
Fairfax Court-House, a post-village, capital of Fairfax co., Va., 20 miles W. of Washington, D.C., and 33 miles N. of Fairfax Station. It has 5 churches, a graded school, a newspaper office, and a carriage-shop. Pop. 350.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Fairfax Court-House, a post-village, capital of Fairfax co., Va., 20 miles W. of Washington, D.C., and 33 miles N. of Fairfax Station. It has 5 churches, a graded school, a newspaper office, and a carriage-shop. Pop. 350.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1916
Fairfax, Va. See Culpeper.
Culpeper, or Fairfax, a banking post-town, capital of Culpeper co., Va., on the Southern R., 62 miles WSW. of Washington. It has an iron-foundry, machine-shop, and several flour-mills. Pop. in 1900, 1618.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Fairfax, Va. See Culpeper.
Culpeper, or Fairfax, a banking post-town, capital of Culpeper co., Va., on the Southern R., 62 miles WSW. of Washington. It has an iron-foundry, machine-shop, and several flour-mills. Pop. in 1900, 1618.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Fairfax:
Fairfax Historic District:
Stroll through the charming historic district, featuring well-preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. You can even take a guided walking tour to learn about the town's rich history.
National Firearms Museum:
If you're into firearms and history, the National Firearms Museum is a must-visit. It houses an extensive collection of firearms and related artifacts, showcasing the evolution of firearms throughout history.
George Mason University:
Explore the campus of George Mason University, a vibrant and culturally rich institution. Check if there are any events, performances, or exhibitions happening on campus during your visit.
Fairfax County Courthouse:
Visit the Fairfax County Courthouse, an iconic structure with a rich history. The area around the courthouse also has some great restaurants and shops to explore.
Fairfax Corner:
This bustling shopping and entertainment district is perfect for a day out. Enjoy a variety of ... Read MORE...
Fairfax Historic District:
Stroll through the charming historic district, featuring well-preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. You can even take a guided walking tour to learn about the town's rich history.
National Firearms Museum:
If you're into firearms and history, the National Firearms Museum is a must-visit. It houses an extensive collection of firearms and related artifacts, showcasing the evolution of firearms throughout history.
George Mason University:
Explore the campus of George Mason University, a vibrant and culturally rich institution. Check if there are any events, performances, or exhibitions happening on campus during your visit.
Fairfax County Courthouse:
Visit the Fairfax County Courthouse, an iconic structure with a rich history. The area around the courthouse also has some great restaurants and shops to explore.
Fairfax Corner:
This bustling shopping and entertainment district is perfect for a day out. Enjoy a variety of ... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Fairfax Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Fairfax, Virginia, USA
We currently have information about 7 ancestors who were born or died in Fairfax.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Fairfax, Virginia, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Fairfax.View Them Now
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