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

Joshua Gunnell House

Built c.1830

— Old Town Fairfax —

Joshua Gunnell House Marker image. Click for full size.

March 15, 2008

1. Joshua Gunnell House Marker

Inscription. The first skirmish of the Civil War occurred on Main Street June 1, 1861. Ex-Governor, "Extra Billy" Smith, a civilian, ran from this house to take charge of the Warrenton Rifles. Their commanding officer, Capt. John Quincy Marr, had been killed, the first Confederate officer killed during the Civil War in a military engagement between opposing forces.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia, Old Town Fairfax series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 1, 1884.

Location. 38° 50.731′ N, 77° 18.405′ W. Marker is in Fairfax, Virginia. Marker is at the intersection of Chain Bridge Road (Virginia Route 123) and Sager Avenue on Chain Bridge Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4023 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax VA 22030, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fairfax Court House (within shouting distance of this marker); World War I Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Vietnam War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Revolutionary War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); World War II and Korean Conflict Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Fairfax County Memorial To Those Who Died In Service To Our Country

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Fairfax County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fairfax Court House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairfax.

Regarding Joshua Gunnell House. Union Col. Johnstone was billeted here during Ranger Mosby's March 9, 1863 raid. However, Johnstone escaped capture by hiding beneath the outhouse, wearing only his nightshirt.

Joshua Gunnell House image. Click for full size.

March 15, 2008

2. Joshua Gunnell House

Another view of the Joshua Gunnell House image. Click for full size.

March 15, 2008

3. Another view of the Joshua Gunnell House

Currently the La Rue 123 restaurant.

Plaque located at front entrance image. Click for full size.

March 15, 2008

4. Plaque located at front entrance

Plaque located on southeast corner image. Click for full size.

March 15, 2008

5. Plaque located on southeast corner

Credits. This page was last revised on June 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2008. This page has been viewed 3,560 times since then and 82 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 15, 2008. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.