Falls Church, Virginia, was settled in 1699 and named for its first church. Located near Washington, D.C., this rural farming community grew into an important crossroads during the 19th century. Prior to World War II, its most significant growth occurred during the Victorian era. The area and lifestyle of its residents were significantly impacted by the Northern migration into the South for better farmland; the Civil War; the expansion of railway service; the developing role as a suburb ofWashington; and military buildup during the Spanish-American War. This collection of vintage images portrays the people, places, and events that are central to the Victorian heritage of Falls Church.
The Victorian Society at Falls Church (VSFC), a chapter of the Victorian Society in America, was founded in 1995 to promote the Victorian heritage of Falls Church and to foster knowledge of the Victorian era through education and preservation. The VSFC has utilized its most knowledgeable members and Falls Church citizens as well as the extensive collection of the Mary Riley Styles Public Library in Falls Church for the images and information that appear in this book.