Laid out in 1800 when the original courthouse was planned, Fairfax City was the county seat.

No longer part of Fairfax County since being separately incorporated in 1962, as under Virginia law incorporated cities are not part of counties. Consequently, while many County offices are still located in Fairfax City, many others have been moved from the city to the newer GOVERNMENT CENTER area to the west. Still shares some public services with the County, such as the school system and library.

Directions: Take the Beltway to Route 236 (Main Street, Fairfax) or to Route 50 or to I-66 (never at rush hour). Fairfax City is located where these roads intersect Route 123 (Chain Bridge Road, which is called Ox Road from Fairfax City south to Woodbridge). Alternative directions: Take Fairfax County PARKWAY to Route 123 exit northbound.

Scenic alternative directions: Take Richmond Highway (Route 1) south to Lorton Road (at the foot of the hill after Telegraph Road). Follow Lorton Road to the end, then turn right onto Ox Road (Route 123) and follow it north where it becomes Chain Bridge Road as it enters the City.