Fairfax, Virginia is a city with a deep-rooted history and a plethora of historic neighborhoods. From the Fairfax Courthouse, built in 1800, to the Ratcliffe-Allison-Pozer House from 1811, to the William Gunnell House from the early 19th century, there are plenty of places to explore and discover. The Farr Homeplace is particularly noteworthy. After Union soldiers burned the original structure, Richard Ratcliffe Farr returned from the war and constructed a cabin for his mother and then this house, using bricks made from a clay pit on the property.
Each of the five Baroque chimneys in the house has a cross engraved in its design. Farr's children, Wilson and Rezin, taught at the old Fairfax elementary school and Wilson later served as attorney for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Samuel Draper House is another example of Federal-style architecture. It served as Draper's home, office, and exam room and features Flemish masonry, a box-shaped appearance, and large chimneys at the ends. Many of the original outbuildings have been converted into stores. Woodlawn is an important part of Fairfax's history.
In 1930, Congress recognized its importance for its historic role and natural beauty and authorized the creation of a park. It is associated with George Washington and played an integral role in the development of historic preservation in the United States. Visiting these historic neighborhoods in Fairfax is an excellent way to learn more about Virginia's past. Whether you're interested in architecture or history, there's something for everyone to explore. From brick houses to old schools to parks with ties to George Washington, there are plenty of places to discover in Fairfax.
