Fairfax County will mark a significant milestone in its Revolutionary War history on Sunday, September 21, with a public event commemorating the 251st anniversary of the Fairfax Independent Company of Volunteers. The program will take place from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Historic Fairfax Courthouse, located at 4110 Chain Bridge Road.
Formed in 1774, the Fairfax Independent Company of Volunteers was a citizen militia organized in response to growing tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain. The company was part of a broader movement led by local figures such as George Mason and George Washington, who sought to assert colonial rights and prepare for potential conflict. The establishment of this volunteer force was a bold statement of self-determination and a key moment in Fairfax County’s path toward independence.
The upcoming event is a collaboration between the Fairfax Resolves Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (VASSAR) and the Fairfax County 250th Commission. It will begin at 1:00 PM with a commemorative ceremony inside the Historic Courthouse, led by VASSAR, honoring the legacy of the volunteer company.
At 2:00 PM, attention will turn to the Veterans Monument on the courthouse lawn, where a solemn tribute will be held for 47 Fairfax County Patriots who served and died in the fight for American independence. Attendees will receive a booklet featuring brief biographies of each Patriot named on the memorial.
Following the ceremonies, visitors will have the opportunity to view historic documents from the Circuit Court Historic Records Center, offering insight into the lives and decisions of Fairfax’s early revolutionaries.
To engage younger attendees and families, the event will also feature kid-friendly activities, including a Color Guard presentation, military drill for children, and interactive stations designed to bring history to life.
Parking is available in the lot behind the Historic Courthouse. The site is located at the intersection of Routes 123 and 236 (Main Street) in Fairfax.
This commemorative event is part of the broader Fairfax250 initiative, which celebrates the county’s rich history and its role in shaping the American story.