An Historical Look at Northern Virginia

Arlington County was originally part of what was to become the District of Columbia. In 1846, Congress returned the land to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The area was called the City of Alexandria and Alexandria County until renamed Arlington County in 1920.

Fairfax County was actually part of Prince William County until 1742 when the Virginia Assembly created it. Fairfax County is one of the largest inhabited counties in Northern Virginia. It also boasts one of the highest median income per household in the nation.

The City of Alexandria has changed hands many times over the years. In 1779, the City was incorporated at the behest of farmers seeking a close port for ships to dock. Alexandria became an export center for hemp and flour. Alexandria continued to be a center of activity during the Civil War, and both World War I and World War II. The city has a lot of history dating back to its inclusion as a section of the District of Columbia.

Fairfax City was first settled by immigrants from the Commonwealth's Tidewater region fleeing from religious persecution. It became the center of Fairfax County when Alexandria, then the County hub, became part of DC and the county courthouse was moved to what was then Earp's Corner. In 1805, the legislature named the area the Town of Providence. Unfortunately, people couldn't get used to the new name and called the area Fairfax Court House. In 1874, the legislature gave in, renaming it the Town of Fairfax.

The Town of Herndon is the third largest town in Virginia. Its dominance in the area began in 1857 when the railroad included Herndon as a major site on its route. Herndon was officially named on July 13, 1858, when a post office was established in the town.

The Town of Vienna was established over 100 years ago. The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department is the oldest in Fairfax County. Ayr Hill, a plow factory, made and shipped the first iron-beamed plows made in the United States. In 1868 or 1869, Vienna opened the first black public school while the first white public school was built in 1872. This town of firsts also boasts home to the first county hospital, Fairfax Hospital, built in 1961.

Fauquier County offers a host of history and beauty only about 40 minutes from Washington, DC. The county offers gentle rolling hills and pastures which extend to the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as modern conveniences.

Loudoun County is home to Dulles Airport and employment opportunities from well-known companies, including AOL. Loudoun County was created by the Virginia House of Burgess in 1757 from the western portion of what was then Fairfax County. Today, Loudoun County is known for its beautiful landscape, business opportunities, and lovely communities.

The Town of Hamilton is one of the newer towns chartered in 1977. The town rests in northern Loudoun County in the serene hills bordering West Virginia. It is home to antique stores and wineries.

The Town of Leesburg is only 35 miles from DC and is the center of government for Loudoun County. It boasts a great deal of history from historic Leesburg to the Battle of Ball's Bluff.

The Town of Middleburg is a small town of approximately 600 residents with a welcoming and cozy atmosphere. The town was founded by Lieutenant Levin Powell in 1787. It was named Middleburg, because it was midway between Alexandria and Winchester. Throughout history, Middleburg has been used as a rest stop for travelers and today is no different. The town boasts of the oldest inn, The Red Fox Inn & Tavern, and is known as the "Nation's Horse and Hunt Capitol." If offers a wide variety of inns, restaurants and shops.

The Town of Purcellville received its first resident 24 years after the land was granted by Lord Fairfax in 1740. Slow to grow, Purcellville adopted its name in 1853 but it wasn't until 1908 that the town was officially chartered. The town's growth continues at a moderate pace, but holds onto its small town and slow pace of life which makes it so desirable.

The Town of Round Hill was named for the hill just off the center of town which both Union and Confederate troops used as a signal post. Incorporated in 1900, the town today still offers the same breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is a stop for longer trips to the mountains. Forty-five minutes from DC, Round Hill offers a wonderful day trip to enjoy history and nature.

Prince William County was quite extensive when it was first established in 1730 from parts of Stafford and King George counties. Prince William previously included the counties of Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun, and Fauquier. The site for both the First and Second Battles of Manassas, Prince William is rich with history.

The Town of Dumfries is one of the three earliest chartered municipalities established prior to the Civil War in 1749. It is also the oldest continuous chartered town in the Commonwealth. During the 18th century Dumfries, considered the second leading shipping port in Colonial America, rivaled the likes of Boston and New York.

The City of Manassas was established in 1975, along with the City of Manassas Park, when they withdrew from Prince William County. The City of Manassas has a variety of offerings from their summer sounds concerts and movies at the Manassas Museum and Harris Pavillion to the Stonewall Pool. Check out all there is to do! The City of Manassas also hosts their own regional airport. The City of Manassas Park boasts of a family-oriented and business-friendly community.

The Town of Occoquan received its name from a Dogue Indian word meaning "at the end of the water." Founded in 1804, it is one of only three towns chartered before the Civil War. The town is rich with history with homes and business which have been in continuous use for over 100 years.

The Town of Quantico was formally established in 1927 after the creation of Quantico Marine Corps Base. Founded originally in 1654, it is a beautiful "Main Street America" community. Like most of Northern Virginia, Quantico is abundant in history. Its heritage mixed with the serene waterfront and harbor make this a quaint location. The Town of Quantico does not have a web site. The link here will provide you with a map of Quantico.