More Info On
Fairfax County's 275th Anniversary Celebration

Fairfax County's
275th Anniversary

Fairfax County marked its 275^th anniversary during 2017 and commemorated our history with celebratory events throughout the year.

But the festivities didn’t end with 2017. Fairfax County offers a year-round plethora of seasonal activities, fairs, and festivals, many of which are either free or low cost, and include wine tastings, arts and crafts fairs, and delicious featured foods. No matter what time of year you choose to visit, Fairfax County has something fun for you and your family.

Need more ideas? We have plenty!

Explore our extensive, carefully curated list of activities and things to do in Fairfax County. Many visitors find there is so much to do here that a second visit is needed!
Visit all 52 Fairfax County Historical Commission sites using this updated and recently published map designed by the brilliant Mason Mappers. Download the map here.
Attend a historically themed event, including ghost tours, tour and wine tasting at the Winery at Bull Run, historical courthouse tours, and much more.
History buffs as well as the casually curious may be interested to learn more about 275 rich, colorful years of Fairfax County history with a visit to our YouTube channel, which showcases some of the most fascinating stories from our history. You may also be interested in the Fairfax County Neighborhood History Project, whose participants were largely citizen historians documenting the history of their community as part of the greater overall project.

So what are you waiting for? Fairfax County has a variety of great lodging options just waiting to accommodate you while you explore. We welcome visitors of all backgrounds and interests, so please let us know how we can assist you in planning your visit.

History of Annandale

Learn about the fascinating history of Annandale, and how it has become a wonderful beacon of diversity in the Northern Virginia...

The History of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

Learn about the history and importance of this Smithsonian Museum located in Fairfax County near Dulles International Airport.

The Town of Colchester

Learn about this colonial era town located in the southeast corner of Fairfax County, the archaeological efforts going to to discover...

The History of Dulles Airport

Learn about the history of Dulles Airport from Keith Meurlin, who served as Washington Dulles International Airport's manager for 28...

The Corduroy Road

Fairfax County Senior Archaeologist Christopher Sperling talks about finding a Civil War era "Corduroy Road" and what that tells us...

Historic Centreville

Learn about this historic section of Fairfax County and see some of the buildings there today that tells it's story.

The Night of Terror

This iconic event in the women's suffragist movement occurred in Lorton Virginia.

Ossian Hall

Learn why this mansion was burned to the ground, and how it helped Fairfax County's first responders become better prepared.

Little River Turnpike

Find out more about this Fairfax County thoroughfare and where the word "turnpike" actually comes from.

The Franconia Museum

Learn about how the history of eastern Fairfax County is preserved and displayed in the Franconia Museum.

Great Falls Grange

Learn about Great Falls Grange and the importance of these establishments to American farmers in the early 20th century.

The USS Fairfax County

Did you know that there was a ship named the USS Fairfax County? And that it's bell is located in the County's Government Center today?...

Historic Homes of Fairfax County

Learn about the fascinating history behind some of the homes in Fairfax County.

Luther Jackson High School

Hear the story behind Luther Jackson High School - the first African American High School in Fairfax County.

Eakin Park

Learn about the first park in the Fairfax County Park Authority.

The Women's Center Mental Health Services

The Women's Center of Fairfax County

Learn more about this longstanding county support center featuring counseling, support and education to people of all ages.

Military History in Fairfax County

Historian Don Williams talks about some of the military history found throughout Fairfax County.

The Massey Building

Learn about the history of the Massey Building

4H Fair and Carnival

Learn about one of Fairfax County's most treasured annual fairs.

The History of Gum Springs

Learn about the Gum Springs area of Fairfax County from the Executive Director of the Gum Springs Historical Society and Museum - Ron...

The Fairfax County Library Book Cart Drill Team

Learn how Fairfax County developed the first Book Cart Drill Team in the United States of America.

The History of Wolf Trap

Arvind Manocha, President and CEO of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, details the history of the park and why it is...

George Mason, Revolutionary

Scott Stroh, Executive Director of Gunston Hall, tells the story of George Mason who was native resident of Fairfax County, and his...

275th Anniversary Signature Celebration

On June 17, 2017 the 275th Anniversary Signature Celebration took place on the grounds surrounding the Historic Fairfax Courthouse.

Lord and Lady Fairfax Visit The Historic Fairfax Courthouse

Learn about Lord and Lady Fairfax as they visit the Historic Fairfax Courthouse as part of the 275th Anniversary Celebration.

George Washington, Army Commander

Hear the story of how George Washington assumed command of the Continental Army.

Fairfax Secedes from the Union

Brian Conley, Fairfax County Archivist, tells the story of the heated and contentious decision for Fairfax County to Vote to Secede...

Then and Now Photography Slideshow

As part of Fairfax County's 275th Anniversary celebrations the OLLI Photography Club at George Mason University have captured the 2017...

Mason Neck State Park

Learn about the unique history of this park and how it played a crucial role in wildlife preservation, especially for the Bald Eagle.

The Rise of Alexandria and Fairfax County

As Alexandria develops into a regional commercial center due to it's prominent location along the Potomac River, it also becomes the...

The Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department

Learn about the origins and WWII connection of the Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department as they celebrate 75 years.

A History of Reston

Members of the Reston Historic Trust detail the history of Reston and what makes it so unique.

Mosby's Raid on Fairfax Court House

Local historian Don Hakenson details the story of one of the most audacious raids from the American Civil War - Confederate John S....

The History of Falls Church

The head of the Falls Church Historical Commission details the history of The City of Falls Church.

The History of Fairfax Hospital

Learn about the history of Fairfax Hospital (today known as INOVA Fairfax) and how it has grown into one of the most well-known and...

The History of Fairfax Station

Discover the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum and the role it played in the history of Northern Virginia.

Uncovering a Hidden Civil War Roadway

Discover a hidden Civil War roadway that was found in Fairfax during excavation for a shoulder and sidewalk improvement.

Fairfax County's Historic Marker Program

Learn about the Fairfax County History Commission's historic marker program.

Fairfax County's Lorton Nike Missile Site

The Lorton Nike Missile Site

Learn about the missile site in Lorton that was used as a deterrent to Soviet air attacks on Washington, DC during the Cold War.

George Mason University - The NCAA Final Four Cinderella Story

Remembering George Mason University's men basketball team's historic run to the NCAA Final Four.

A Suffragist Story

Watch history commissioner Lynne Garvey-Hodge portray Mrs. Robert Walker as she describes a Suffragist story.

History of Clifton

Learn the story of how the Town of Clifton came to be and where you can explore it's history today.

W&OD and Great Falls & Old Dominion Railroads

Learn the history of two popular passenger railroads that once ran through Fairfax County.

The History of the Town of Vienna

Learn all about the history of the Town of Vienna and where you can still find that history today.

Northern Virginia Community College Celebrates 50 Years

Learn about the history of Northern Virginia Community College - and where it's headed in the future.

The Legato School

Learn about the Legato School and also some of the various bus tours being offered throughout the county which encourage people to...

The History of the Laurel Grove School

Learn the story behind the Laurel Grove School, one of the last remaining historically black one-room schoolhouses in Virginia.

Mock Trials at the Historic Fairfax Courthouse

Historic Fairfax Courthouse Mock Trials

The Historic Fairfax Courthouse hosts fun "mock trials" during the Chocolate Lovers Festival on February 4th and 5th.

How The City of Fairfax Came To Be

Learn about the birth of the City of Fairfax, and why it left Fairfax County to form its own jurisdiction.

The Marriage of George and Martha Washington

Martha Washington reminisces about her wedding day and describes her fondness of General Washington.

Historic Weights and Measures

Learn about the Fairfax 275 celebration and the move of the historic Weights and Measures from the Alexandria to Fairfax County.

A Cultural History Tour of Old Colchester

Interactive story map created by Fairfax County using images ,text, and links to provide a virtual experience of Old Colchester.

Fairfax County Historical Highway Markers

Take a tour of Fairfax County's Historical Highway Markers, sponsored by the County's History Commission, that commemorate people,...

Fairfax County Sites on the National Register of Historic Places

Explore the 59 properties and districts located in Fairfax County that have been listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Fairfax County's Historic Buildings

View a list of historic buildings throughout Fairfax County that are open to the public and where history comes alive.

Occoquan Suffragettes - Workhouse Arts Center

Virginia Historical Highway Markers in Fairfax County

Historical sites, interesting individuals, fascinating stories, and remarkable events make up this collection of historical markers...

Library of Virginia

Browse a collection of historical images from Fairfax County that is currently housed in the Library of Virginia's digital collection.

Library of Congress

Browse the collection of Fairfax County historical photos found in the Library of Congress' Digital Collection.

Fairfax County History Events

Browse our listings of history related events happening throughout Fairfax County in conjunction with our 275th Anniversary celebration. More

Fairfax County Discovery Trail

Visit 8 or more listed sites and receive an amusement prize package AND be entered into a drawing to win a new bicycle! More

Fairfax County Historical Sites

Pay a visit to one of Fairfax County's many historical attractions which showcase the amazing history of our county, and country. More

Civil War Era Buildings in Fairfax County

Fairfax County History Essays

Browse these articles provided by the Fairfax County Office of Affairs based on information found in “Fairfax County, Virginia – A History” written by the Fairfax County History Commission (1978). More

Educator's Corner

Find historical information and useful resources that were collected specifically for educators and students to use during the 275th anniversary. More

A Brief History of Fairfax County

Download "A BRIEF HISTORY OF FAIRFAX COUNTY" by Donald M. Sweig, P.H.D., and see how our history mirrors that of much of America. More

What Sites Are Impacted During the U.S. Government Shutdown

More Info On Fairfax County's 275th Anniversary Celebration

Fairfax County's 275th Anniversary