City of Arlington - 

Historical information for the area. Here is another history page for Arlington.

In 1791, Arlington was first part of the ten square mile tract for the nation's capital, Washington, DC. It was known as Alexandria County of the District of Columbia. The area on the west bank of the Potomac River was given back to Virginia on 9 July 1846. In 1870, Alexandria City separated from Alexandria County. Due to confusion with the two names, many attempted to rename the county, but the name stood until 1920 when Arlington County was adopted.. At that time, all the portion not in Alexandria City was created into Arlington County. No incorporated towns, cities or communities may be within the boundary of Arlington. It was named for the home of the Civil War general, Robert E. Lee, Arlington House. The house now stands on the Arlington National Cemetery. It is the building displayed on the Arlington county Seal.

The county area remained fairly rural until recent years. Many Washington, DC residents had summer homes here, but not many stayed during the rest of the year. From 1920 forward, development moved rapidly through the county until by the year 2000, most land was developed or under development. Much of the county area is residential, but designated areas have commercial and office space.

Residents of the county are active in their community with over 50 civic associations and over 100 service organizations alone. Numerous other groups and commissions are also active in Arlington. Its proximity to Washington, DC brings many tourists and visitors to the area. The Pentagon and the Arlington National Cemetery are both located in Arlington.
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Attractions

Arlington attractions:

Arlington County is the home of the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport as well as the Pentagon, although it has a Washington, DC address. The Arlington National Cemetery is also located here, which contains the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the grave of John F. Kennedy

Arlington County Fair
3501 South Second Street
Arlington, VA 22204
held in August each year.

City of Alexandria

A good History page for Alexandria, Virginia

This area was explored by Captain John Smith in 1608, but it wasn't until 1669 that land was granted to Robert Howsing to bring 120 colonists to the area. Originally known as Bellehaven, the area was divided up and the first lots sold on 13 July 1749. The town was then named Alexandria for the Alexander family.

Alexandria is an independent city, not associated with any county, though it is in the area of Fairfax County.
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Attractions

Alexandria attractions:

To learn more about Alexandria, go to this page of the AlexandriaVisitors & Convention Center. You may also contact them at: 221 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-3209
Office (703) 838-4200; TDD (703) 838-6494; Fax (703) 838-4683

Black History Resource Center
638 North Alfred St.
Alexandria, VA 22314-1823
Phone: 703/838-4356
The Center documents the history of Alexandria's African-American community. Please call for details.

Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
4301 W. Braddock Rd
Alexandria, VA 22304
Phone: 703/838-4848
Visitors may take a self-guided tour along the preserved earthwork wells which have been well preserved to reflect a major fortification in the defense of Washington. The Fort's Northwest Bastion has also been completely restored. The museum, patterned after a Union headquarters building, houses a fine Civil War collection. Please call for details

Friendship Firehouse
107 S. Alfred St.
Alexandria, VA 22314-3001
Phone: 703/838-3891
The Friendship Fire Company was established in 1774. The current firehouse was built in 1871 and now houses exhibitions and historic firefighting equipment. Please call for details.

Gadsby's Tavern Museum
134 N. Royal St.
Alexandria, VA 22314-3226
Phone:703/838-4242
Gadsby's consists of two tavern buildings, the 1770 Georgian tavern and the 1792 City Tavern and Hotel. Visitors can tour the historic rooms restored to their 18th-century appearance. Archaeological excavation, paint analysis and research of surviving documents have provided an accurate picture of the furnishings and use of the buildings. Please call for details

Boyhood Home of Robert E. Lee
607 Oronoco St.
Alexandria, VA
Phone: 703/548-8454
This elegant mansion was the home of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee for most of his boyhood years. The stately Federal town house was built in 1795 and is tastefully and artistically furnished with authentic period pieces. Please call for details.

Lloyd House
220 N. Washington St.
Alexandria, Virginia
Phone: 703/838-4577
A branch of the Alexandria Library which features a Civil War collection, photographs, maps, microforms, and manuscripts pertaining to Alexandria. Virginia history and genealogy.
Please call for details

George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Garden
Southern and of George Washington Parkway (9 miles from Alexandria)
Phone: 703/780-2000
Treasured estate of George and Martha Washington. The elegant mansion has been meticulously restored to its appearance in the last year of Washington's life, from the paint colors on the wells to the actual arrangement of the furnishings, many of which are original. Please call for details.

City of Fairfax -

City of Manassas

Here is a history page for Manassas. The area was first known as Tudor Hall. It was renamed Manassas Junction and then shortened to simply Manassas. The city was incorporated in 1975.

Attractions

Manassas attractions:

Manassas is an independent city, not included in any county.

Manassas Museum
9101 Prince William St
Manassas, VA 20110-5615
Phone: 703-368-1873

Manassas Clay
9122 Center St
Manassas, VA 20110-5534
Phone: 703-330-1040

City of Stafford

Founded in 1664, created from Westmorland County and named for the English County of Stafford, Stafford County, Virginia, has strong connections to events that shaped our nation's history. It was at Marlboro Point,  that Indian Princess Pocahontas was kidnapped and taken to Jamestown. Another historical figure also made Stafford his home. Augustine Washington, with the rest of his family, including a six-year-old son named George, moved to Ferry Farm in 1738. The future first president spent his formative years there until he reached young adulthood.

Stafford County History and Historical Places

City of Fredericksburg