Most of the Unites State's historical sites can be found in Virginia. The state offers abundant opportunities for a weekend adventure or historical vacation to explore and learn more about American History. Discover the history that encompasses the city with these best historical sites located in Fairfax, Virginia.
Historic Blenheim and the Civil War Interpretative Center
3610 Old Lee Hwy,
Fairfax, VA
22030703-591-0560
703-385-7858
Visit Website [https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/historic-resources/historic-blenheim]
Historic Blenheim is known for its remarkable collection of graffiti by the Civil War's Union soldiers. Over 120 soldiers that came from 7 states have been identified by the "diary on the walls". The Civil War Interpretative Center describes the daily life of the Union soldiers and the Civil War effects in Fairfax. The gallery's highlight is the life-scale model of the attic that exhibits most of the best signatures of the soldiers. Throughout the year, several programs focusing on the Civil War are offered at the Historic Blenheim.
Ox Hill Battlefield Park
4134 West Ox Rd,
Fairfax, VA 22033
Visit Website [https://www.battlefields.org/visit/battlefields/chantilly-battlefield]
Home of the historic battle of Civil War in which two generals of the Union perished and the casualties that exceed thousands were encountered by both Union and Confederate soldiers. A project that costs $700,000 led to the landscape restoration, new park trails construction, historic interpretative signage and kiosks, as well as parking improvements. The site is also included in the program of the Virginia Civil War Trails. The 4.8-acre area is maintained and owned by the Fairfax County Park Authority.
Ratcliffe-Allison-Pozer House
10386 Main Street,
Fairfax, VA
22030
703-385-8414
Visit Website [https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/historic-resources/ratcliffe-allison-pozer-house]
This house is known as the city's oldest resident which was built in 1812 by Richard Ratcliffe. The house-museum illustrates the daily activities of its 12 occupants and owners, showing domestic and commercial change across Main Street throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1973, Pozer, the last private owner, deeded the property to the city.
National Firearms Museum
11250 Waples Mill Rd,
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-267-1600
Visit Website [http://www.nramuseum.org/museums/national-firearms-museum.aspx]
The museum holds one of the most extensive collections of firearms in the country. The facility allows visitors to view over 3,000 artifacts exhibited in numerous permanent galleries. The displayed arms of the Civil War include imported firearms and domestic firearms that were manufactured by the south and north Mason-Dixon Line. The exhibit covers the handheld firearms history from guns in mid 14th century to the latest pistols, sporting rifles, and shotguns.
Historic Fairfax Courthouse
4000 Chain Bridge Rd,
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-246-4168
Visit Website [https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/circuit/historic-records-center/courthouse-history]
The establishment was occupied by both Confederate and Union troops during the Civil War. The ownership of the courthouse was taken by the Union Army in the spring of 1862 and for the rest of the Civil War. It was announced that the structure was gutted and several records were destroyed or lost. The current building was fully restored in 1967. Suite 1600 on the first floor of the Courthouse contains the Fairfax Circuit Court Historic Records Center. The center has records from 1742, the Fairfax County formation, up until the early 1900s.
