Historic Properties

Historic Properties

the City of Fairfax has a rich history. From its perfectly preserved historic building (including the site of the first fatality of the Civil War) to Civil War grafitti on the site of the Blenheim Estate, to a chance to learn the lore of spies and secrets at The Fairfax Museum and Visitors Center, you’ll find plenty of wonders to choose from, and an opportunity for your children to learn about and appreciate the historical heritage of this important city.

Historic Blenheim &
Civil War Interpretive Center

3610 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22030

The Historic Blenheim estate was acquired in early 1999 to preserve and develop into a Civil War house museum and open-air park. Blenheim is a c.1855 central-hall-plan brick farmhouse on 12 acres located at 3610 Old Lee Highway. The preservation project included construction of a new 3,800 sq ft Civil War Interpretive Center that houses restrooms, gift shop, exhibits, meeting or educational space and provides an exceptional and unique backdrop for a special event or a wedding. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in early 2001. It is nationally significant for the 100+ signatures, art, and poetry created by Union soldiers during their occupation of the Fairfax Court House area in 1862–1863. The house contains one of the most largest and best-preserved examples of Civil War graffiti in the nation, a "diary on walls" providing insight into typical soldier life during the Civil War.

Tues-Sat Noon-4pm

Mon-Sat 4pm-10pm

Sunday 10am-10pm

Old Town Hall

In the heart of the nationally recognized City of Fairfax Historic District at 3999 University Drive.

Built in 1900 by Joseph E. Willard, the hall was presented to the Town of Fairfax in 1902. Willard, the son of a Confederate spy and a Union officer, served as lieutenant governor of Virginia and ambassador to Spain. His mother—“commissioned” by J.E.B. Stuart as his honorary aide-de-camp, with the rank of major—had been arrested for passing information to the Confederates, and met her future husband while in prison.

The hall immediately became the center of Fairfax social life. Although neo-classical in style, the hall tastefully combines Tuscan order columns with Federal-style details, such as the fanlight window over the front doors and the round-headed gabled dormers.

Adjacent to Old Town Hall and the historic Ratcliffe-Allison House is the Kitty Pozer Garden, with perennials and shade trees, a true oasis in downtown Fairfax.

Monday–Thursday 10 am–2 pm.

These are the hours when both the Art Gallery & Library in the hall are open. Staff is not available in the facility to answer questions, but the hall can be previewed by appointment. For appointments call 703-273-6085. Times are subject to change.

Monday through Sunday: 7 am–2 am.

The Wilson Farr House

Those searching for an intimate setting for a wedding, bridal shower, luncheon, dinner, business meeting or party may consider the historic home located at 10172 Main Street in the heart of the City of Fairfax.

Built in 1915 by Wilson Farr for his bride Edith Wiley, the Colonial Revival style home provides the perfect setting for a special event. In fact, the Farr House boasts a long history of parties and gatherings starting with the Farr’s marriage ceremony in November 1915.

Updated and carefully restored in 2001, the tastefully decorated home features floors of Georgia red pine and many restored period details. The public spaces include a great room with double French doors opening to a cheerful sunroom, which accommodates a piano and space for a bar. In addition, there is a brick fireplace in the cozy library, an intimate dining room, fully equipped modern kitchen, a large deck, a brides changing room, handicap accessible restroom and guest parking.

For reservations, contact Carol Cope at FarrHouse2@aol.com or call 703 591-5059.

For more information, please visit www.Farrcrofthoa.com.