William Gunnell House

The William Gunnell House is a T-shaped brick residence with a raised basement and weatherboard siding located on Main Street in Fairfax. The structure features an original central dogleg staircase and has remained a notable architectural landmark in the community for over 200 years.

A landowner named William Gunnell III purchased a large tract from Bryan Fairfax in 1791 and developed it into a substantial estate. The house reflects the growth from smaller farming operations to a larger agricultural holding during a formative period of the region's development.

The house bears the name of its original owner and stands as a reminder of the agrarian life that shaped this region for generations. Its solid brick construction reflects the practical needs of a family managing extensive land holdings.

The property sits on an easily accessible lot in downtown Fairfax as part of the historic district with other buildings from the same era. Visitors can appreciate the exterior features while walking through the neighborhood without needing advance arrangements to view it from the street.

During the Civil War, the property became the site of a notable military action when a Confederate cavalry commander captured a high-ranking Union general at the location. This episode illustrates how the region found itself at the center of military operations during the conflict.