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

Old Fairfax Jail

Built in late 19th Century

— Old Town Fairfax —

Old Fairfax Jail Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, October 14, 2006

1. Old Fairfax Jail Marker

Inscription. The original “gaol” (1802) burned down in 1884. The Alexandria jail was used until this building was completed. The last jailer, Mr. William F. Lowe, and his family lived in the front quarters of this building until 1954. The structure is of the Italianate architecture.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Virginia, Old Town Fairfax series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1884.

Location. 38° 50.78′ N, 77° 18.459′ W. Marker is in Fairfax, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It is at the intersection of Main Street (Virginia Route 236) and West Street, on the right when traveling east on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10459 Main Street, Fairfax VA 22030, 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: Fairfax County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Fairfax Court House (within shouting distance of this marker); Fairfax County Memorial To Those Who Died In Service To Our Country (within shouting distance of this marker); Gen. Corcoran (within shouting distance of this marker); World War II and Korean Conflict Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); World War I Memorial

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Vietnam War Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Revolutionary War Memorial (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairfax.

Other markers no longer nearby. Fairfax County Courthouse (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Monument to John Q. Marr (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

The Old Fairfax Jail image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, October 14, 2006

2. The Old Fairfax Jail

Another view of the Old Fairfax Jail image. Click for full size.

March 15, 2008

3. Another view of the Old Fairfax Jail

Credits. This page was last revised on March 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 15, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,435 times since then and 52 times this year. Last updated on March 15, 2008. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 15, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3. submitted on March 15, 2008.