History of Fairfax County, Virginia

In many ways the recorded history of Fairfax County, Virginia is a reflection of the history of the United States. Although the county was not formally created until 1742, the history of an English settlement on the land dates back to the early 1600s, when King Charles II granted the land between the Rappahannock and Potomac Rivers to a group of Englishmen.  The settlers relinquished the land to Lord Fairfax, the county’s namesake, in 1719. 

More than just economic, commercial and demographic changes occurred in the late 1700s. Historic relationships were also altered, when Virginia ceased being part of the British Empire and became part of the American nation.

During the last half of the 18th century, two of the County's most prominent residents, George Washington and George Mason, became chief forces behind the formation of the American nation. Their respective homes – Mount Vernon and Gunston Hall – are still open to the public.

During the Civil War, Fairfax County was literally caught in the middle of the hostilities. Rebel troops were located in the western area, while Union troops were positioned in the northern and eastern areas, near Alexandria. Troops from both sides crisscrossed the county, often wreaking havoc and destruction on the area, including two major battles, First and Second Manassas.

Fairfax County was also the site of several minor battles. On June 1, 1861, there was a Union cavalry raid on the Fairfax County Court house in which several casualties occurred. John Quincy Marr died during this skirmish, becoming the first Confederate officer to be killed in the war. Later that month a bloody battle broke out between Yankee and Rebel troops at the Town of Vienna. Skirmishes were also fought near Dranesville and Centreville.