Northern Virginia

Although DC gets all the recognition for its place in the nation's history, visitors to the region might be surprised by the richness of Northern Virginia, which is chockablock with historical references and diverse cultural experiences. Buildings in Alexandria's old downtown, referred to often as "Old Town," are reminiscent of the Federal period (1790-1820); more than 2,000 of the area's 18th- and 19th-century buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nearby areas have grown significantly in the recent past and have modern housing, government, and office buildings. Tysons Corner in Fairfax County has major retail outlets clustered close to the I-495 Beltway and has office buildings serving more than 400 corporations employing about 57,000 people, 95% of them commuters. Expansion toward Dulles International Airport has been particularly massive, especially along the toll road to the airport. Northern Virginia contains some of America's most precious acreage, including Mount Vernon and Arlington National Cemetery. Manassas (Bull Run), 26 mi from Washington, was the site of two of the most significant battles of the Civil War. Although Manassas is still predominantly rural, Washington sprawl has spilled over, and Bull Run has been the site of modern battles between the forces of development and those of preservation. In Loudoun County, horse lovers and spectators still practice the 18th-century diversions of fox hunting and the steeplechase.