Introduction to Fairfax, Virginia
Fairfax, Virginia is 5 miles NW of Burke, Virginia (center to center) and 17 miles W of Washington, District of Columbia. The city is part of the Washington metro area.
Fairfax History
In the early 1700s, the area now known as Fairfax was settled by farmers from Virginia's Tidewater region. The community was named in honor of Thomas Lord Fairfax, one of the early landholders. The town of Fairfax was founded by Richard Ratcliffe. The first CS Officer of the American Civil War was killed in Fairfax on June 1, 1861. The place was officially renamed the Town of Fairfax in the year 1874. It became an independent city in 1961 and was then given the name of City of Fairfax.
Fairfax and nearby Attractions
- Fairfax City Regional Library
- Fairfax Museum & Visitor Center
- Saint Leos Catholic Church
- Daniels Run
- Kamp Washington Shopping Center
- Algonkian Regional Park
Things To Do In Fairfax
For those interested in the historical and cultural background of the city, a visit to Fairfax City Regional Library and Fairfax Museum & Visitor Center may prove fruitful. The city’s industrial park areas, city halls, courthouses, and fire stations are also worth visiting. In addition, the beautiful Daniels Run is a popular tourist haunt. The numerous shopping centers provide a host of entertainment opportunities for visitors. The city also hosts annual festivals including Celebrate Fairfax, Chocolate Lovers Festival, and Fall for Fairfax.
Fairfax Transportation
Washington Dulles International Airport, about 12 miles from the city, provides air transportation facilities.
Fairfax Higher Education
George Mason University and Mosely Institute for Professional Education provide facilities for higher education to residents of Fairfax. Other institutes nearby include Northern Virginia Community College and Marymount University.