Lorton in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Mount Air
The original 522-acre plantation was granted to Dennis McCarty in 1727 and passed through the hands of only three additional families: the Chichesters, Landstreets and Kernans. Mount Air represents in microcosm a history of Fairfax county--the rise and fall of an economy based on tobacco in the 18th century; the subdivision of vast tracts of land after the American Revolution; and the damage that occurred from military occupation during the Civil War. Fire destroyed the Greek Revival style house in 1992. The charred foundation, gardens and outbuildings are a testament to the changes in fortune and fashion reflecting the lives of many generations of owners.
Erected 2006 by The Fairfax County History Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Architecture • Colonial Era • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia, Fairfax County History Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1727.
Location. 38° 43.458′ N, 77° 10.559′ W. Marker is in Lorton, Virginia, in Fairfax County. Marker is on Fisher Woods Drive, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lorton VA 22079, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Mount Air Historic Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Telegraph Road (approx. 0.3 miles away); John J. Kingman Road Crossing (approx. 0.6 miles away); Newington (approx. 0.7 miles away); Facility 2298, Rail Bridge (approx. 1.2 miles away); Old Telegraph Line (approx. 1.3 miles away); a different marker also named Old Telegraph Line (approx. 1.4 miles away); Pohick Church (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lorton.
Also see . . .
1. Mount Air Historic Overlay District Design Guidelines. Fairfax County website entry (Submitted on November 22, 2008.)
2. History of Mount Air. Village website entry (Submitted on November 22, 2008.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2008. This page has been viewed 1,870 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 22, 2008. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.