ROAD TRIPS FOOTSTEPS OF HISTORY History touches just about every corner of Fairfax County and the National Capital Region. Whether you’re interested in colonial or military history, or want to learn about women’s history or African American heritage, there are fascinating stops here just for you. • While you may associate George Washington with colonial times, the experiences found at his beloved estate, MOUNT VERNON , not only explore his time leading the Continental Army and as our nation’s first president, but also educate visitors about the lives of those enslaved here and how a group of women were the ones to save this now historic site for the rest of us to enjoy. • Dive into the U.S. Army’s comprehensive history at the new NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY , the Army’s first official museum in its nearly 245-year existence. • For more military history, explore the area’s deep ties with the AMERICAN CIVIL WAR by visiting various battlefields and memorials, or stand amid some of the most famous and heroic pieces of wartime aviation in history at the SMITHSONIAN’S NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM STEVEN F. UDVAR-HAZY CENTER. • Take a journey to reflect on the sacrifices and vital contributions that African Americans have made throughout history by visiting GUM SPRINGS MUSEUM or the LAUREL GROVE SCHOOL – then hop across the river to see the vast SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE or the MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL in Washington, DC. • Explore the story of the women’s suffrage movement by learning about the “Silent Sentinels” imprisoned at the reformatory that is now the Workhouse Arts Center. Visit the site’s LUCY BURNS MUSEUM to hear their stories and learn about the nationally significant TURNING POINT SUFFRAGIST MEMORIAL , currently being built nearby at Occoquan Regional Park. PHOTOS: CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT (DON SWEENEY); (opposite page): DC MONUMENTS (JONATHAN P. LARSEN/DIADEM IMAGES) 22 • FAIRFAX COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE
Fairfax County Official Visitors Guide Fairfax County Official Visitors Guide 2021: Page 22
