Fairfax, Virginia
Fairfax, Virginia | ||
---|---|---|
FIPS code 51-26496[2] | | |
GNIS feature ID | 1498476[3] | |
Website | www |
Fairfax, Virginia (/ˈfɛərfæks/ FAIR-faks), formally the City of Fairfax, and colloquially known as Fairfax City, Downtown Fairfax, Old Town Fairfax, Fairfax Courthouse, FFX, and Fairfax, is an independent city in Virginia and the county seat of Fairfax County, Virginia, in the United States.[4] As of the 2020 census, the population was 24,146.[5]
Fairfax is part of both the Washington metropolitan area and Northern Virginia regions, and is located 14 miles (23 km) west of Washington, D.C. The Washington Metro's Orange Line serves Fairfax through its Vienna station, which is a mile northeast of Fairfax. CUE Bus and Metrobus operate in Fairfax. Virginia Railway Express's Burke Centre station is located three miles southeast of Fairfax.
George Mason University, located in unincorporated Fairfax County along Fairfax's southern border, is the largest public university in Virginia with 39,032 students as of 2020.[6]
History
Fairfax was founded on land originally occupied by the
On June 1, 1861, the first land battle of the
In 1859, Fairfax was renamed the "Town of Fairfax".[10] It was incorporated as a town in 1874.[10] It was incorporated as a city in 1961 by court order.[10] Under Virginia law the city was separated from Fairfax County yet remains the county seat.[12] In 1904, a trolley line connected Fairfax with Washington, D.C.[13]
Architecture
The former Fairfax County Courthouse is the oldest historic building in Fairfax. The first Fairfax courthouse was established in 1742 near present-day
In 1752, the courthouse was moved to
The oldest two-story building in Fairfax, the Fairfax Public School[a] was built in 1873 for $2,750.[19] In addition to elementary school use, the building has also housed special education, adult education, and police academy training.[20][21]: 144
On July 4, 1992, the building became the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center.[21]: 156–157 Joseph Edward Willard built the town hall building in 1900 then gifted it to the then town in 1902.[22]
The Old Town Hall now houses the Huddleston Library and the Fairfax Art League.[23]
Sites on the National Register of Historic Places
Site | Built | Address | Listed |
---|---|---|---|
29 Diner[b] | 1947 | 10536 Fairfax Boulevard | 1992 |
Blenheim | 1855 | 3610 Old Lee Highway | 2001 |
City of Fairfax Historic District | 1800 | Junction of VA 236 and VA 123 | 1987 |
Old Fairfax County Courthouse[c]
|
1800 | 4000 Chain Bridge Road | 1974 |
Old Fairfax County Jail[c] | 1891 | 10475 Main Street | 1981 |
Fairfax Public School[a] | 1873 | 10209 Main Street | 1992 |
Ratcliffe-Allison House
|
1812 | 10386 Main Street | 1973 |
Geography
Fairfax is located close to the geographic center of Fairfax County, at 38°51′9″N 77°18′15″W / 38.85250°N 77.30417°W (38.852612, −77.304377). According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.3 square miles (16.3 km2), of which all but 0.04 square miles (0.1 km2) is land.[24]
While the city is the county seat, a small portion of the county comprising the courthouse complex, the jail, and a small area nearby is itself an exclave of the county within the city.[25][26][27] Fairfax County's Government Center is west of the Fairfax.[28]
Demographics
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1880 | 376 | — | |
1890 | 376 | 0.0% | |
1900 | 373 | −0.8% | |
1910 | 413 | 10.7% | |
1920 | 516 | 24.9% | |
1930 | 640 | 24.0% | |
1940 | 979 | 53.0% | |
1950 | 1,946 | 98.8% | |
1960 | 13,585 | 598.1% | |
1970 | 21,970 | 61.7% | |
1980 | 20,537 | −6.5% | |
1990 | 19,622 | −4.5% | |
2000 | 21,498 | 9.6% | |
2010 | 22,565 | 5.0% | |
2020 | 24,146 | 7.0% | |
U.S. Decennial Census[29] 1790–1960[30] 1900–1990[31] 1990–2000[32] 2010[33] 2020[34] |
2020 census
Race / Ethnicity | Pop 2010[33] | Pop 2020[34] | % 2010 | % 2020 |
---|---|---|---|---|
White alone (NH)
|
13,849 | 12,911 | 61.37% | 53.47% |
Black or African American alone (NH)
|
1,030 | 1,052 | 4.56% | 4.36% |
Alaska Native alone (NH)
|
62 | 44 | 0.27% | 0.18% |
Asian alone (NH) | 3,403 | 4,519 | 15.08% | 18.72% |
Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 11 | 9 | 0.05% | 0.04% |
Some Other Race alone (NH) | 48 | 204 | 0.21% | 0.84% |
Mixed Race/Multi-Racial (NH) | 606 | 1,129 | 2.69% | 4.68% |
Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3,556 | 4,278 | 15.76% | 17.72% |
Total | 22,565 | 24,146 | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race.
Economy
Old Town Fairfax has undergone an extensive redevelopment, which began in 2005.[35] The redevelopment added a new Fairfax Regional Library, more than 45,000 square feet (4,200 m2) of retail and restaurant space, more than 70,000 square feet (6,500 m2) of office condominiums, and 85 upscale residential condominium units.[36]
In May 2009, Fairfax was rated as No. 3 in the "Top 25 Places to Live Well" by Forbes Magazine.[37] Forbes commended Fairfax for its strong public school system, high median salary, and a rate of sole proprietors per capita that ranks it in the top 1 percent nationwide. According to the magazine, "These factors are increasingly important in a recession. When businesses and jobs retract, as they have nationwide, municipalities with strong environments for start-ups, and those that offer attractive amenities, are better suited to recover from economic downtimes, as there are more business activity filling the void."
Top employers
According to the city's 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report,[38] the top employers in the city are:
# | Employer | # of Employees |
---|---|---|
1 | City of Fairfax | 250-499 |
2 | Zeta Associates[d] | 250-499 |
3 | Ted Britt Ford | 250-499 |
4 | Fairfax Operator LLC | 100-249 |
5 | Home Depot
|
100-249 |
6 | Farrish of Fairfax | 100-249 |
7 | Lowe's | 100-249 |
8 | Premium Home Health Care | 100-249 |
9 | Nova Home Health Care LLC | 100-249 |
10 | Ourisman Fairfax Toyota | 100-249 |
Annual events
- Chocolate Lovers Festival
- The annual Chocolate Lover's Festival is held in the heart of Old Town Fairfax during the first full weekend in February. Events have included craft shows, historic building open houses, children's activities, collections of vendors selling various edible chocolate products, and even chocolate sculpture contests.[40]
- Fairfax Civil War Day
- Every year, during the Spring, a Civil War re-enactment camp is held at the Blenheim estate, a city-owned historical property. The encampment features cultural information about Civil War-era people and practices, military muster, drill, and a firing demonstration.[41]
- Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts
- Each April, Fairfax, in cooperation with George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College, and Fairfax schools, sponsors the Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts Festival. The festival runs for three weeks and features music, dance, theater, art and choral concerts. Events take place at venues throughout the city and the colleges.[42]
- National Trails Day
- In June, a National Trails Day is held to celebrate the trails, open spaces and parks in the Fairfax.[43]
- Independence Day Celebration Parade and Evening Show
- The largest hometown parade and fireworks celebration in the Washington metropolitan region is held in the Fairfax. The day's events include a parade through Old Town Fairfax, tours of historic buildings and local museums, an Old-Fashioned Fireman's Day at the Fire Station #3, and a live concert and fireworks display at Fairfax High School.[44]
- Irish Festival
- In September, a festival of Irish and Celtic song, dance and music is held in and around Old Town Fairfax.[45]
- Fall for the Book Festival
- Each fall, the Fall for the Book Festival features readings, discussions, lectures and exhibits from nationally recognized writers and professionals. Festival events are held in the Fairfax at George Mason University and throughout the Washington metropolitan area. Two community reading programs coordinate with Fall for the Book: "All Fairfax Reads," coordinated by the Fairfax County Public Library, and "Mason Reads" at George Mason University.[46]
- Fall Festival
- A Fall Festival is held in historic Old Town Fairfax on the second Saturday in October. This event includes more than 500 arts, crafts, and food vendors, and is usually held outdoors on the streets of the city. Attendance is about 35,000 to 45,000.[47]
- The Holiday Craft Show
- An annual Holiday Craft Show is held at Fairfax High School on the third Saturday and Sunday of November. The event features hundreds of craft vendors. Attendance is about 8,000 to 10,000.[48]
- Festival of Lights & Carols
- On the first Saturday in December, the city holds a Festival of Lights and Carols. Activities include photos with Santa, caroling, a yule log, hot mulled cider, illumination of Old Town Fairfax, and the lighting of the city Christmas tree.[49]
Local government and politics
As an independent city of Virginia, rather than an incorporated town within a county, Fairfax derives its governing authority from the
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2020 | 4,007 | 29.72% | 9,174 | 68.04% | 302 | 2.24% |
2016 | 3,702 | 30.78% | 7,367 | 61.25% | 959 | 7.97% |
2012 | 4,775 | 41.06% | 6,651 | 57.19% | 203 | 1.75% |
2008 | 4,691 | 41.16% | 6,575 | 57.69% | 132 | 1.16% |
2004 | 5,045 | 47.84% | 5,395 | 51.16% | 106 | 1.01% |
2000 | 4,762 | 49.83% | 4,361 | 45.64% | 433 | 4.53% |
1996 | 4,319 | 49.39% | 3,909 | 44.70% | 517 | 5.91% |
1992 | 4,333 | 44.70% | 3,884 | 40.07% | 1,476 | 15.23% |
1988 | 5,576 | 61.27% | 3,430 | 37.69% | 95 | 1.04% |
1984 | 6,234 | 65.36% | 3,263 | 34.21% | 41 | 0.43% |
1980 | 4,475 | 55.91% | 2,614 | 32.66% | 915 | 11.43% |
1976 | 4,174 | 53.36% | 3,464 | 44.28% | 185 | 2.36% |
1972 | 5,063 | 67.73% | 2,274 | 30.42% | 138 | 1.85% |
1968 | 2,963 | 48.70% | 2,153 | 35.39% | 968 | 15.91% |
1964 | 1,924 | 40.37% | 2,835 | 59.48% | 7 | 0.15% |
Elected officials
In November on even-numbered years, city voters elect a Mayor, six at-large Councilmembers, and five at-large School Board members to serve two-year terms. These offices are non-partisan and at-large, and there are no term limits.[10] City voters also elect the two city constitutional officers: Treasurer and Commissioner of the Revenue for four-year terms. Other elected officials who serve the city elected by city and Fairfax County voters include the Sheriff (four-year term), Commonwealth's Attorney (four-year term), and Clerk of the Court (eight-year term). State elected officials who represent Fairfax include the Virginia Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Virginia Senator (34th District), and Virginia Delegate (37th District). Starting with the 2023 election, the city will lie within the 37th Virginia Senate district and the 11th House of Delegates district. Federal elected officials who represent the Fairfax include the U.S. President, U.S. Vice President, two U.S. Senators (six-year terms), and one U.S. Representative, 11th District (two-year term).
Mayor arrested for distribution of methamphetamine
On August 4, 2016, then-Mayor Scott Silverthorne was arrested in a sting operation conducted by the Fairfax County Police Department. After receiving a tip that he was involved in drugs-related activities online, a police detective engaged Silverthorne on an online website "...used to arrange for casual sexual encounters between men."
Silverthorne maintains that he was not distributing methamphetamine for sex, and he was not tried for any sexual crimes.[53]
Education
Primary and secondary schools
The school district for the city is Fairfax City Public Schools.
Schools within the city that are not owned by the city government include the Boyd School,
Colleges and universities
Public libraries
Fairfax County Public Library operates the Fairfax Regional Library in Fairfax. The library includes the Virginia Room, a collection of books, photographs, and manuscripts related to Fairfax County history, government, and genealogy.[63]
Sports
Rugby league
The
Infrastructure
Roads
The intersection of U.S. Route 50 and U.S. Route 29 is located in the northeast corner of the city. The two major highways join to form Fairfax Boulevard for approximately 2.8 miles (4.5 km) through the city before separating. State Route 123, State Route 236 and State Route 237 pass through the city. SR 236 is named Main Street in the city and then becomes Little River Turnpike once the city line is crossed. Interstate 66 passes just outside the city limits and is the major highway serving the Fairfax region. Connections to I-66 from the city can be made via U.S. Route 50 and State Route 123.
Public transportation
Rail
Although these stations are located outside city limits, trips to and from Fairfax are served by:
- The Vienna station of the Washington Metro
- The Burke Centre station of Virginia Railway Express and Amtrak
Bus
- Fairfax operates the CUE Bus, an independent bus network.
- Multiple routes of the Washington Metrobus and the Fairfax Connector Route 306 serve Fairfax.[64]
E-scooters and dock less mobility
- In February 2019, the city has launched a one-year pilot program for e-scooters and other dockless transportation.Bird company[66]alongside Lime and Spin.
Notable people
- Bobby (Kim Ji-Won), rapper in popular South Korean pop group iKon[68]
- Sam Champion (raised in Fairfax and a graduate of Fairfax High School), weather anchor of ABC's Good Morning America and weather editor of ABC News[69]
- Serena Deeb, former WWE professional wrestler; born in Fairfax[70]
- Lewis J. Fields, United States Marine Corps Lieutenant general, lived in Fairfax following his retirement from military.[71]
- political consultant who resided in Fairfax.[72]
- Cloud9 and Phoenix1, born in Massachusetts and raised in Fairfax[73]
- Christina Hendricks, actress and former model, went to high school in Fairfax[74]
- Joseph R. Jelinek, United States Army brigadier general, lived in Fairfax while serving as Deputy Director of the Army National Guard[75]
- Courtney Jines, actress[76]
- Lamar Johnstone (1886–1919), silent film actor[77]: 182
- Brian Kendrick, WWE wrestler, born in Fairfax[78]
- Sabrina Lloyd, actress on the TV series Sliders and Sports Night, born in Fairfax[76]
- Jay Matternes, paleoartist[79]: 69
- TobyMac, award-winning Christian singer/songwriter[76]
- Lorenzo's Oil[80]: 126
- Jeremy Olander, Swedish DJ and electronic music producer, born in Fairfax
- Walter Tansill Oliver (1873–1932), mayor of Fairfax, state delegate and state senator[81]
- Yoochun; raised in Fairfax.[82]
- Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia
- Prince Philip of Yugoslavia
- Aldric Saucier, scientist and whistleblower.[83][84]
- Mike Schleibaum, band Darkest Hour founding member and guitarist, born in Fairfax[85]
- Michael Schwimer, Major League Baseball player[86]
- Nathan Sonenshein, rear admiral[87]: 1228
- Frank Stephens, disability advocate, actor and athlete[88]
- Victoria Stiles, makeup artist[89]
- Jason Sudeikis, actor and comedian, formerly a cast member of Saturday Night Live[90]
- Pierre Thuot, Space Shuttle astronaut aboard Atlantis, Endeavour, and Columbia, raised in Fairfax and graduated from Fairfax High School[91]
- Matt Tifft, NASCAR driver
- Jarvis Varnado, former NBA player
See also
- Fairfax County, Virginia
- List of Famous People from the Washington Metropolitan Area
- National Register of Historic Places in Fairfax, Virginia
Notes
- ^ a b c was Old Fairfax Elementary School Annex, now the Fairfax Visitor Center and Museum
- ^ Tastee 29 Diner
- ^ a b Within the county exclave within the city.
- ^ now a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin[39]
- ^ Montessori School
- ^ Special Education School
- ^ Daycare / Preschool
- ^ Special Education School
- ^ Roman Catholic
- ^ Christian
- ^ Roman Catholic
- ^ Daycare / Preschool
References
- ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ "Old Town Fairfax Feels the 'Love'". NBCUniversal. WRC-TV. Retrieved April 14, 2017.
- ^ "Fairfax city, Fairfax city, Virginia". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 30, 2022.
- ^ "George Mason University Key Facts For 2017" (PDF). Office of Government & Community Relations, George Mason University. December 20, 2016. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
- ^ "Native American Land Claims in Virginia". www.virginiaplaces.org.
- ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. p. 123.
- ^ "The Fairfax Story". Historic Fairfax City. 2013. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f "Fairfax, City of". Legislative Information System. Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved March 27, 2017.
- ISBN 978-0-7864-6364-0.: 123
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"The report that follows is a progress report on the Northern Virginia University Center since its beginnings in 1949 by its Local Director, Professor J. N. G. Finley." George B. Zehmer, Director Extension Division University of Virginia