Fairfax Station in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

St. Mary’s Catholic Church

Photographed By J. J. Prats, March 18, 2006

1. St. Mary's Catholic Church Marker

Inscription. Dedicated September 19, 1858 by Rt. Rev. John McGill, Bishop of Richmond. — Catholic workers, who were employed in building the Fairfax Railroad pass, began work on the structure in 1856. They were assisted by members of the nearby Hamill family. Shortly after the dedication, Norther Virginia was ravaged by the Civil War, resulting in the church being requisitioned as a shelter for the wounded. Here, under the direction of Clara Barton, the idea of the Red Cross was developed. The original pews were removed during the winter of 1861-2 and used as firewood, but were replaced by President Grant. Funeral services for General Philip Kearney, killed at Chantilly, were held in the church yard. Later Gen. Robert E. Lee returned the body to the Federal lines, together with the slain officer's horse and saddle.

Erected 1961 by Porto Caravan Order of Alhambra.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Landmarks • Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Clara Barton, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #18 Ulysses S. Grant series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is September 19, 1867.

Location. 38° 48.152′ N, 77° 19.614′ W. Marker is

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in Fairfax Station, Virginia, in Fairfax County. Marker can be reached from Fairfax Station Road west of Ox Road (Virginia Route 123), on the left when traveling west. Marker is at the edge of and facing the parking lot, to the left of the walkway to the church. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fairfax Station VA 22039, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Skirmish at St. Mary’s (within shouting distance of this marker); In this Church of St. Mary’s (within shouting distance of this marker); Clara H. Barton (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welcome to Fairfax Station (approx. ¼ mile away); Hogshead (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairfax Station.

Also see . . .
1. Saint Mary of Sorrows -- Fairfax Station, VA. Brief history, on the church's website. (Submitted on March 19, 2006.)

2. Oldest Catholic Church In Fairfax. Article in TravelLady Magazine by Marian Betancourt. (Submitted on March 19, 2006.)

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 14, 2017

2. St. Mary’s Catholic Church Marker

St. Mary's Catholic Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, March 18, 2006

3. St. Mary's Catholic Church and Marker

Plaques to the Left of the Door image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, March 18, 2006

4. Plaques to the Left of the Door

Top: In this Church of St. Mary's, August 31 – Sept. 1, 1862, the founder of the American Red Cross, Clara H. Barton, nursed the wounded and dying soldiers from the Second Battle of Manassas and the engagement near Chantilly. Bottom: St. Mary's Church has been registered as a Virginia Historic Landmark pursuant to the authority vested in the Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission; Act of 1966.

Tablet to the Right of the Door image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, March 18, 2006

5. Tablet to the Right of the Door

On September 18, 1983 a Solemn Mass was celebrated on these historic grounds to commemorate the 125th anniversary of St. Mary's as a parish. Most Rev John R. Keating, Bishop of Arlington; Rev. Severin Lopez, C.M.F., Pastor. 1858–1983.

St. Mary's Church, Fairfax Station Virginia image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, March 18, 2006

6. St. Mary's Church, Fairfax Station Virginia

Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2019. It was originally submitted on March 19, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,905 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 19, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 2. submitted on November 18, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 19, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.