Fort Belvoir is a census-designated place and a United States Army installation. This town has ties to many military organizations. Fort Belvoir employs the largest workforce in Fairfax County, with nearly twice as many employees as the Pentagon. There are three districts in Fort Belvoir: Fort Belvoir North, the Main Base, and Davison Army Airfield. Despite its military connections, civilians are welcome to explore the town and surrounding areas of Fort Belvoir.
Fort Belvoir was not always a military base. At one time, it was the original home of William Fairfax. He purchased the property in 1738, building a large estate on the land that overlooked the Potomac River. The Fairfax family lived on the property for many years. However, in 1783, the main manor was destroyed by fire. After that, the property was abandoned until the early part of the 20th century. Today, the ruins of the Belvoir Mansion and the Fairfax family gravesites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
During World War I, the United States Army purchased the land. It would be renamed Fort Belvoir in the 1930s. The fort was part of the U.S. Army Engineers Training School and served as a postgraduate academy for military engineers during that time. Over the years, Fort Belvoir trained both military members and civilians at the location. The National Museum of the United States Army was recently opened at Fort Belvoir in November 2020. It features a 185,000-square-foot museum with parade grounds, an amphitheater, a memorial garden, and walking trails. The public is welcome to visit this museum that celebrates the history of the United States Army.
Infusion Festival - This annual festival takes place in Arlington every January. It is four days of fun, healing, and learning with like-minded individuals who want to get in touch with their spiritual side.
George Washington's Birthnight Supper and Ball - Celebrate Washington's birthday on February 22 with a free event at Mount Vernon.
Oktoberfest - This festival celebrates German culture with food, music, and dancing during the first week of October.