Skirmish of Fairfax Courthouse Scheduled for Saturday

Reenactors will play out the historic Skirmish of Fairfax Courthouse on Fairfax City streets Saturday as part of the region's susquicentennial Civil War celebrations.

The first land engagement of organized military units of the American Civil War took place in Old Town Fairfax, which resulted in the first Confederate casualty of the war.  The city is recognizing that with a commemoration June 1 and a re-enactment June 4.

The commemorative program will be held from 6-9 p.m. June 1 at the courthouse, with speakers, a wreath laying and dedication of a new Civil War Trails marker.  

Historic re-enactors will take to the streets of Old Town Fairfax from 1-2 p.m. June 4 for the re-enactment of the Skirmish of Fairfax Courthouse. A reception will follow from 2-5 p.m. at Historic Blenheim, 361 Old Lee Highway.  

The following road closures will be in effect from noon to 2:30 p.m. June 4 for the re-enactment of the Fairfax Courthouse skirmish:

• Route 236/Main Street, between Judicial Drive and Route 123/Chain Bridge Road (local traffic only will be permitted between Judicial Drive and North Street)
• North Street, between Route 123/Chain Bridge Road and West Street.

Traffic will be detoured during this time. Motorists are encouraged to consider alternate routes.