Fairfax St(ation Va) Pd 5” in manuscript on cover to Miss Sallie T. Connor Louisa Ct. House Virginia on small commercially-made envelope with embossed flap tip. Ex John Vagnetti. $150.

FAIRFAX STATION served the county seat of Fairfax, then known as Fairfax Court House. Many families in the area donated some of their property for the railroad right-of-way. The railroad was originally called the Orange and Alexandria Railroad (O&A). By 1860, it extended from Alexandria to Lynchburg. It was built primarily to get farm products to Alexandria and Washington and to transport supplies from these cities to farms. The original Fairfax Station was built in 1852. Irish immigrants moved into the area, supplementing the large slave labor crews who built other parts of the line. Many of the new workers settled in the area around Fairfax Station. The railroad and station became strategically significant for the movement of troops and supplies during the War. The O&A was the most direct route between Alexandria and Richmond. Consequently, many battles during the first 3 ½ years of the war were fought over and along this railroad, with the train station playing a supporting role. In August-September 1862, the Station was the evacuation point for wounded Federal soldiers during the Battles of Second Manassas and Chantilly. Clara Barton was among the civilian volunteers aiding the wounded.