Falls Church, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Big Chimneys

Photographed by Craig Swain, November 16, 2007

1. Big Chimneys Marker

Inscription. Large log house named for its two huge chimneys. One datestone was inscribed 1699, the traditional date quoted for the community's founding. First recorded owner of site is Henry Gunnell (1773 22.75 acre grant). James Gordon, owner 1803-1836, had license for an inn. Thompsons owned cabin from 1845-1868 and Lynchs from 1868, until it was torn down about 1908. At that time cabin was about 25x55 feet with 3 chimneys, 4 rooms on ground floor and 3 rooms above. Foundation stones were dug up in 1972 at a site believed located near the intersection of the tobacco rolling roads in the 1700s.

Erected by City of Falls Church.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Colonial Era • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Virginia, City of Falls Church series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1699.

Location. 38° 52.971′ N, 77° 10.47′ W. Marker is in Falls Church, Virginia. It is on West Annandale Road east of Gundry Drive, on the right when traveling east. Located at the north entrance to Big Chimneys City Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Falls Church VA 22046, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area

and in Northern Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker

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: The Story of Big Chimneys (a few steps from this marker); Virginia Training School (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Home of Mary Ellen Meriwether (Miss Nellie) and Dr. Edwin B. Henderson (EB) (about 800 feet away); Sears Kit Home (about 800 feet away); Rolling Roads (about 800 feet away); Colored Citizens Protective League (about 800 feet away); Dr. Edwin Bancroft Henderson (1883-1977) (about 800 feet away); Plans to Fight the Ordinance (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Falls Church.

Other markers no longer nearby. The Story of Big Chimneys (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Henderson House (was about 800 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker. The back of the marker has a drawing of the cabin.

Back of Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, November 16, 2007

2. Back of Marker

Big Chimneys image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, November 16, 2007

3. Big Chimneys

From the entrance to the city park, a log foundation "footprint" simulates the original stone foundation of the house.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 14, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,786 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 14, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.