What is Rural Fairfax? | Rural Fairfax

Most people think of Fairfax County as the bustling community of a million people that lives right next to the capital of the nation, Washington, D.C.

This is true, of course, but there's also a side of Fairfax County that most people are not aware of: This was once farm country.

This site is dedicated to discovering the little areas of rural Americana that remain here in the rapidly urbanizing Fairfax County, and documenting them for posterity. With a dash of random highlights of our area's shockingly scenic beauty, just for good measure.

I hope that you enjoy this journey through George Washington's old home turf as much as I do!

Thesis

Fairfax County, Virginia was at the turn of the 20th century one of the most productive farming counties in all of Virginia. Due to urbanization and excessive agricultural tax policies, this has been completely erased over the past 40 years. The site aims to capture the fading memories of these Fairfax County farms, before they are erased forever.

Inspiration

This site is inspired by the incredible works of Sue Tatterson, the haunting scenery captured by Detroit Funk, and the long, detailed, and intriguing histories penned by Detroit Blog.

Other Sites

The following websites are highly recommended sources of information about Northern Virginia's history.

• Gibran Parvez's Dulles Area Historical Database (including some amazing photography)
• Memories from Life on the Farm (Blossom Hill)
• Historic Merrybrook Plantation
• Honor Fairfax's Cemeteries (And be sure to report any that have been neglected!)

Errata

If you're viewing this website in Firefox, the photos will look washed out. I'm not sure why, but my apologies if this impacts your opinion of this site.

I do my best to observe the laws of Fairfax County and of the Commonwealth of Virginia when I'm out and about taking photographs, and I always show the utmost respect towards the places I visit. If you're thinking about doing anything similar to this, I highly recommend doing the same.

And please, if you know of any places that are worth seeing, don't hesitate to write.

- Brian L.