Herndon

Herndon is a town in Fairfax County, Virginia, with residential neighborhoods, commercial streets, and several public parks and trails. The center sits south of Dulles Airport and covers roughly 4 square miles (10 km²) along former railroad lines.

The settlement began in the mid-19th century as a farming area along the railroad line and grew into a commuter suburb for Washington workers during the 20th century. The expansion of the nearby airport and later the Dulles Technology Corridor transformed the local economy.

The settlement takes its name from a 19th-century naval officer who died during a rescue mission at sea. Today the area blends suburban residential life with tech industry workers who gather in cafes and restaurants along the main street.

The center can be reached by several main roads that connect the area to Washington and surrounding suburbs. Visitors interested in the older buildings downtown will find parking and pedestrian paths along the former rail line.

A small parcel downtown belongs administratively to neighboring Loudoun County and forms a boundary island within the town limits. This oddity traces back to historical property lines that were never adjusted.

Location: Fairfax County

Inception: 1858

Elevation above the sea: 112 m

Website: http://herndon-va.gov

GPS coordinates: 38.97140,-77.38860

Latest update: December 18, 2025 19:56