Ferdinando, and the End of the Fairfax Ownership

When George William died in 1787, the land and remains of Belvoir were willed to his nephew, Ferdinando Fairfax, son of his brother Bevan. Ferdinando and his wife Elizabeth lived on the grounds of Belvoir in a house known as ...

Historic Fairfax Elementary School

Built 1873

Old Town Fairfax

This is the oldest, two-story, brick public school house in Fairfax County. Bricks were made from a clay pit on the Farr property across Main St. The original portion of this structure, the rear, was build for ...

Fairfax Hay & Grain Store

Built 1900

Old Town Fairfax

This vernacular, commercial building is a typical example of construction at the turn of the century.

Marker is on Main Street (Virginia Route 236), on the right when traveling west.

Courtesy hmdb.org

Fairfax Herald & Print Shop

Built 1900

Old Town Fairfax

The Fairfax Herald was established in 1882 by Capt. S.R. Donohoe, who, in 1904 moved it to this small, one-story frame structure. The Herald remained in operation until 1966.

Marker is at the intersection of ...

Fairfax Court House

Built 1800

Old Town Fairfax

This building is on the National Register of Historic Places. George and Martha Washington’s wills were recorded here and still remain in this complex. Confederate President Jefferson Davis reviewed strategy in the tavern across the street with ...

Old Fairfax Jail

Built in late 19th Century

Old Town Fairfax

The original “gaol” (1802) burned down in 1884. The Alexandria jail was used until this building was completed. The last jailer, Mr. William F. Lowe, and his family lived in the front quarters of ...

The Lee and Fairfax Family Cemetery

The Lee and Fairfax Family Cemetery is located on this ridge top overlooking the Occoquan Bay. The Lees established the cemetery with the death of Henry Lee II on August 15, 1787. His wife Lucy Lee, the only other member ...

Fairfax County Courthouse

War on the Courthouse Grounds

At different times, Union and Confederate forces occupied the Fairfax County Courthouse at this important crossroads. The flag of each side flew from its cupola during the war, and the building suffered damage.

On April 25, 1861, ...

Fairfax Stone

This monument, at the headspring of the Potomac River, marks one of the historic spots of America. Its name is derived from Thomas Lord Fairfax who owned all the land lying between the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers. The first Fairfax ...

Fairfax Stone

The Fairfax Stone (1/2 Mi.E.) marking the Potomac's headwaters, was a corner of Lord Fairfax's vast estate. The line of 1736 was checked in 1746 by a survey on which Peter Jefferson, father of Thomas Jefferson, was engaged.

Marker is ...