Civil War Sites in Fairfax, North Virginia

Some years ago, in a Tyson's Corner gym, I overheard two men debating whether or not Northern Virginia is in the South. Despite its continued urbanization and sprawl, there are overlooked signs of Virginia's Civil War past all within a few miles of Tyson's.

Vienna: Vienna has several prominent Civil War locations. First, off of Old Courthouse road (about 1 mile from the aforementioned gym) is Freedom Hill. This small earthwork served as a Union outpost providing lookouts with an excellent observation position guarding the Chain Bridge Road. Overgrown now, in the 19th Century it provided an unobstructed view into Vienna over the cultivated farmland. Second, on the W&OD trail, just opposite the Vienna Community Center on Park Street, is the site of the small battle known as "the Vienna Affair." This small skirmish is notable because it was the first use of a railroad for military purposes and occurred during a time when Fairfax was essentially a no mans land, changing hands between the Union and the Confederacy. Third, located just off Center Street behind the Vienna VFW post is a fortification known by its type "the Star Fort." This fortification changed hands several times during the war and is an excellent example of a very common 19th Century style military emplacement. The Star Fort guarded the W&OD railroad and overlooked the town and the rail station. Next is the W&OD itself, a useful avenue of approach for Mosby and Union cavalry alike between Fairfax, Vienna and Leesburg. Of note, at Hunter Mill Road and the W&OD, a Union cavalry outpost was emplaced on high ground overlooking the intersection. Finally, on Hunter Mill Road, near the intersection with Route 123, next to the Giant Shopping Center, is a huge oak tree that served as a meeting place and rendezvous spot for Mosby's Rangers.

Fairfax: There are several Civil War locations in and around old town Fairfax that are fairly well known, including the old Courthouse (a running cavalry battle was fought right in front of the Courthouse resulting in the death of John Marr, the first Confederate killed in the war), the site of Mosbys midnight raid and the location of Clara Barton's first hospital at Fairfax Station. Of note is the location of the Battle of Chantilly, the largest battle fought in the County. If it had not been for the fact that this battle was fought at night in a rainstorm (unique features in 19th Century war fighting), this battle could have well developed into as big a fight as Second Bull Run. A few lesser known sites are also located near Old Town: Near Fairfax Circle, on Route 29/50, down the hill from a small, old hotel, is a small plaque, indicating the location of a small skirmish that took place between a Union outpost on the hill and some Confederate raiders. You have to pull in to the parking area next to the car dealership to see this, it is a small, green marker on a concrete block.

Centreville: A small portion of Centreville, including the Gilead House, has been preserved in its 19th Century state; it is certainly worth a drive through. The Stone Bridge, just outside the Bull Run battlefield is also a must see.

Burke: In addition to Burke Station and various cavalry fights along the railroad is an amazing Federal style house dating back to the 19th Century: Brimstone Hill. A running cavalry fight occurred along Route 123, Ox Road, in front of this old home, site of a Virginia plantation.

Lorton: Pohick Church served as a camp and stables for Union cavalry units posted to protect Route 1 into Alexandria. A small cavalry battle took place near the intersection of Furnace and Lorton Road on the grounds of the old prison.

There are of course, all of the standard historical homes in Fairfax to visit: Gunston Hall, Woodlawn, Mount Vernon and George Washington's Grist Mill; but for 'no money fun' and look at some overlooked Civil War history, all you need is an afternoon to step back in time.