Fairfax was settled in the early 18th century by farmers from the Piedmont region. The city is situated in the heart of Fairfax County, southwest of Washington, DC. For years, Fairfax served as an important agricultural, trade, and judicial hub in the suburbs of the nation's capital. The area was serviced by the Washington, Arlington & Falls Church Railway, one of Northern Virginia's two electric railways, which provided a direct line from Washington, DC, to Fairfax. Today, Fairfax has a vibrant downtown that helps support the over 20,000 residents who live in the city. Fairfax shares photographs of its rich historic landmarks, including the Ratcliffe-Allison House, Truro Rectory, Blenheim, and the long-standing court house.