Fairfax, Virginia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fairfax, Virginia
Independent city
Fairfax's Old Town Hall in 2024
Flag Seal Logo
Nicknames:  Downtown Fairfax, Fairfax City, Historic Fairfax
Location of Fairfax in Virginia
Location within Fairfax County
Fairfax, Virginia Location in Northern Virginia Show map of Northern Virginia Fairfax, Virginia Location in Virginia Show map of Virginia Fairfax, Virginia Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Country	United States
State	Virginia
Pre-incorporation County	Fairfax County (none after incorporation – Independent city)
Founded	1869
Government
• Type	Council–manager government
Area
• Total	6.27 sq mi (16.25 km2)
• Land	6.24 sq mi (16.16 km2)
• Water	0.03 sq mi (0.08 km2)
Elevation	312 ft (95 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	24,146
• Density	3,851.0/sq mi (1,485.9/km2)
Time zone	UTC−5 (EST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP Codes	22030–22033
Area codes	703, 571
FIPS code	51-26496
GNIS feature ID	1498476

Fairfax, Virginia is a city in Virginia, USA. It's called an independent city because it's not part of any county. Fairfax is also the main town, or county seat, for Fairfax County, Virginia. In 2020, about 24,146 people lived there.

Fairfax is part of the larger Washington metropolitan area and the Northern Virginia region. It's located about 14 miles (23 km) west of Washington, D.C.. You can get to Fairfax using Washington Metro's Orange Line at the Vienna station, which is close by. Local buses like CUE Bus and Metrobus also serve the area.

George Mason University is a very large public university located right next to Fairfax. It's the biggest university in Virginia, with over 40,000 students in 2023.

History of Fairfax

Union Army soldiers at Fairfax Court House during the American Civil War in June 1863

Fairfax was built on land that once belonged to the Iroquoian Native American tribe. The city gets its name from Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron. He was given a huge amount of land in northern Virginia by King Charles.

Farmers from Virginia's Tidewater region started settling this area in the early 1700s. In 1805, the state government officially created a town here called "Providence."

Fairfax in the 1800s

The American Civil War began in 1861. On June 1, 1861, the first land battle of the war happened in Fairfax. It was called the Battle of Fairfax Court House. Soldiers from the Union Army fought with local militia, but neither side won clearly.

Two years later, in June 1863, a second battle took place. Union troops were defeated, which slowed down Confederate cavalry chief Jeb Stuart. This delay had bad results for Robert E. Lee at the very bloody Battle of Gettysburg a few days later.

In 1859, the town's name was changed to "Town of Fairfax." It officially became a town in 1874. Then, in 1961, it became a city by court order. Even though it's a city separate from Fairfax County, it still serves as the county seat.

Fairfax in the 1900s

In 1904, a trolley line was built. This line connected Fairfax directly to Washington, D.C., making travel much easier.

Old Buildings and Architecture

Piney Branch Mill, part of the Hope Park estate in the 1800s

The old Fairfax County Courthouse is the oldest historic building in Fairfax. The very first courthouse was built in 1742 near where Tysons Corner is today. A road called Gallows Road got its name because prisoners were led down it to the gallows at the old courthouse.

In 1752, the courthouse moved to Alexandria. It moved because of "Indian hostilities," as a stone marker notes. The courthouse moved again in 1790 when land was given for Washington, D.C.. The new courthouse was built in the center of the county, on land given by the town's founder, Richard Ratcliffe. This courthouse was used by both sides during the American Civil War.

The Fairfax Public School building is the oldest two-story building in Fairfax. It was built in 1873 for $2,750. Over the years, it was used for elementary school, special education, and police training.

Today, this building is the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center. The Old Town Hall building was built in 1900 and given to the town in 1902. It now holds the Huddleston Library and the Fairfax Art League.

Historic Places in Fairfax

Many important sites in Fairfax are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are protected because of their historical value.

Geography and Climate

Fairfax is located near the middle of Fairfax County. The city covers about 6.3 square miles (16.3 square kilometers) of land.

Even though Fairfax is an independent city, a small part of Fairfax County is inside the city. This small area includes the county courthouse and jail.

Waterways in Fairfax

The city is where the Accotink Creek begins. It's also the source of Daniels Run, a stream that flows into Accotink Creek.

Fairfax Climate

Fairfax has a humid subtropical climate. This means it has long, hot summers and cool to mild winters.

Population and People

The population of Fairfax has grown a lot over the years. In 1880, only 376 people lived here. By 2020, the population had grown to 24,146.

Economy and Jobs

Dancers at the 2014 July 4 parade in Fairfax

The historic part of Fairfax, called Old Town Fairfax, has been updated since 2005. This project added a new library, many shops and restaurants, and new offices and homes.

In 2009, Forbes Magazine ranked Fairfax as one of the "Top 25 Places to Live Well." They praised Fairfax for its great public schools and good salaries. The city also has many small businesses, which helps its economy.

Main Employers in Fairfax

Here are some of the biggest employers in Fairfax:

Fun Annual Events

The Clifton Horse Society at the 2010 July 4th parade

Fairfax hosts many exciting events throughout the year:

• Chocolate Lovers Festival: This festival happens every February. It features craft shows, open houses at historic buildings, and lots of chocolate treats! There are even chocolate sculpture contests.
• Fairfax Civil War Day: Every spring, a Civil War re-enactment takes place at the Blenheim estate. You can learn about life during the Civil War and see military demonstrations.
• Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts: In April, this festival lasts three weeks. It includes music, dance, theater, and art shows at different places in the city and local colleges.
• National Trails Day: In June, this day celebrates the trails, parks, and open spaces in Fairfax.
• Independence Day Celebration: Fairfax has one of the biggest Fourth of July parades and fireworks shows in the Washington D.C. area. The day includes a parade, tours of historic buildings, and a concert with fireworks at Fairfax High School.
• Irish Festival: In September, this festival celebrates Irish and Celtic music, dance, and culture in Old Town Fairfax.
• Fall for the Book Festival: This festival happens every fall. It brings together famous writers and professionals for readings, discussions, and exhibits.
• Fall Festival: On the second Saturday in October, Old Town Fairfax hosts a large Fall Festival. It has over 500 vendors selling arts, crafts, and food. About 35,000 to 45,000 people attend!
• The Holiday Craft Show: This show is held at Fairfax High School in November. It features hundreds of craft vendors.
• Festival of Lights & Carols: On the first Saturday in December, the city lights up Old Town Fairfax. Activities include caroling, hot cider, and the lighting of the city Christmas tree.

Education in Fairfax

Schools for Kids and Teens

Fairfax High School

The public schools in Fairfax are owned by the city. However, they are managed by the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) system. This arrangement started in 1961.

Public schools in Fairfax include:

• Fairfax High School
• Katherine Johnson Middle School (formerly Lanier Middle School)
• Daniels Run Elementary School
• Providence Elementary School
• Fairfax Academy

There are also many private schools in the city, such as Trinity Christian School and Saint Leo The Great School.

Colleges and Universities

George Mason University is the largest university in Virginia. It is located just south of Fairfax's city limits. The university has over 33,000 students.

George Mason University was founded in 1949. It started as an extension of the University of Virginia. In 1958, the town of Fairfax bought land for the university. In 1972, it became George Mason University. The university is well-known for its programs in economics, law, creative writing, and computer science. Two professors from George Mason University have won the Nobel Prize in Economics.

Public Libraries

The Fairfax County Public Library system runs the Fairfax Regional Library in the city. This library has a special collection called the Virginia Room. It contains books, photos, and old papers about Fairfax County's history and families.

Transportation and Roads

The junction of US 29, US 50, and VA State Rt. 237 in Fairfax

Fairfax has several important roads. U.S. Route 50 and U.S. Route 29 meet in the city. They form Fairfax Boulevard for about 2.8 miles (4.5 km). Other state routes like Route 123 and Route 236 also pass through. Interstate 66 is just outside the city and is a major highway for the Fairfax area.

Public Transport Options

Trains and Metro

A Northeast Regional train at Burke Centre station in August 2010

Even though these stations are outside the city, they serve people traveling to and from Fairfax:

• Vienna station for the Washington Metro (subway)
• Burke Centre station for Virginia Railway Express (commuter train) and Amtrak (long-distance trains)

Buses

• Fairfax has its own bus system called the CUE Bus.
• You can also use Washington Metrobus and Fairfax Connector buses.

E-scooters

In 2019, Fairfax started a test program for e-scooters and other shared transportation options. Companies like Bird, Lime, and Spin offer these services.

Famous People from Fairfax

Many well-known people have connections to Fairfax, Virginia:

See also

In Spanish: Fairfax (Virginia) para niños