Fairfax County

Fairfax County is an administrative unit in Northern Virginia that wraps around the western and southern edges of Washington DC. The terrain features wooded hills, residential neighborhoods, and commercial corridors crossed by several rivers and streams.

The county was created in 1742 from parts of Prince William County and named after Thomas Fairfax, who held large land grants in the region. Proximity to the capital shaped its growth especially after the 20th century, when many federal employees moved here.

The Wolf Trap National Park for Performing Arts presents concerts, operas, and dance performances throughout the year in its indoor and outdoor venues.

The administration divides into ten districts, each represented by an elected supervisor on the county board. Public facilities such as libraries, parks, and community centers spread across the area and remain open to visitors.

Mount Vernon sits within the county boundaries and preserves the former estate of George Washington with original 18th-century buildings. The gardens and fields still follow the layout that the first president himself designed.

Location: Virginia

Inception: 1742

Capital city: Fairfax

Part of: Arlington–Alexandria–Reston metropolitan division

Shares border with: Prince George's County, Montgomery County, Loudoun County, Charles County, Arlington County, Falls Church, Alexandria, Prince William County, Fairfax, Washington, D.C.

Website: https://fairfaxcounty.gov

GPS coordinates: 38.83000,-77.28000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 20:07