Friends of the Historic Fairfax Courthouse

Discover Fairfax Virginia County History

tours

Delve deeper into Fairfax County’s rich history with our guided tours led by passionate local experts! Immerse yourself in the stories of the past as these knowledgeable guides bring historic sites and landmarks to life. From the Old Fairfax County Courthouse to historical landmarks, you’ll gain a fascinating perspective on the people and events at the front of our nation’s history.

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image of men climbing the old fairfax courthouse in black and white

Fairfax City Walking Tour

Old Town Fairfax Historic District offers a captivating glimpse into America's past. Wander along charming streets lined with beautifully preserved buildings. Explore historic sites and uncover the stories of presidents, patriots, and everyday people who shaped our nation today and step back into a bygone era!

image of George Mason university statue and campus

Fairfax City Bus tour

Delve into the historical northern Virginia connection to Washington D.C. and explore the founding of George Mason University. Discover the revolutionary spirit that ignited the Bill of Rights and witness the struggle for women's suffrage. Learn about the covert operations of the CIA and the pivotal role Fairfax played in the American Civil War and the Civil Rights movement.

Historical marker for Old baptismal marker

Black American History Tour

Go beyond the surface of Fairfax County's history and embark on a captivating exploration of the resilience, achievements, and struggles of its African American community. Our expert guides, steeped in local knowledge, will weave together a narrative that brings the past to life.

Black and white image of Historic Ralston Store

individualized tour

Step back in time and explore Fairfax County's captivating history with our curated tours led by engaging local experts. These passionate storytellers aren't just history buffs – they're weavers of narratives, bringing the past to life through captivating tales and hidden insights.

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cover of Book Black Communities of Fairfax

Black Communities of Fairfax: a history

The Free Black population of Fairfax Court House dates to at least the 1820s. After the war, newly freed black citizens expanded the hamlet of Jermantown dramatically. Additional segregated neighborhoods grew and thrived, including School Street, which overlapped today’s George Mason University, and Ilda of Guinea Road. In the second half of the 19th century, residents built schools, churches, and a cemetery. These families persevered under Jim Crow in the early twentieth century. After incorporation, the City of Fairfax annexed these historically Black localities, and their separate character began to disappear. This group of authors with deep roots in Fairfax tells the stories of their communities.

“It was an honor to hear your story about your ancestors of you all. I just finished reading the book and greatly enjoyed it. Thank you for your work and your investment in this subject.” -LEH

I am grateful to the many contributors who made this important work of scholarship possible. It is a Fairfax City treasure that will live on for generations...

Catherine S. Read, Mayor, City of Fairfax, Virginia, July 2023

Old Fairfax Courthouse seen through archway

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