8 Interesting Facts About Annandale, Virginia

Did you know that before Annandale acquired its name the area was known as “Ravensworth?” This and other compelling facts about the census-designated place (CDP) make Annandale an interesting place to live. If you’re unfamiliar with Annandale or just want to brush up on your local information, check out these Annandale facts.

1. The Accotink Creek runs throughout the city of Annandale. A dam was built on the creek with the primary goal of creating Lake Accotink, which is now a popular recreation area where residents jog, hike, bike, fish, and cross-country ski. The area also contains a walking or running trail that snakes through parks and forested areas.
2. The area that is now known as Annandale dates back to 1685 when Col. William Fitzhugh bought more than 24,000 acres of land in the area. During this time the Fitzhugh family named the area “Ravensworth.” Col. Fitzhugh went on to build one of the largest tobacco plantations in Northern Virginia on his own land which was recognized as the largest piece of land granted to a person in Northern Virginia.
3. Over time, the Fitzhugh family sold pieces of the land which helped grow and develop the area. After a number of French Huguenots escaped Europe from religious prosecution, they purchased land from Fitzhugh. By 1806, construction near what is now known as Little River Turnpike which runs through Annandale was completed.
4. Annandale acquired its name from the Scottish town that is located along the Annan River. However, some believe that the name of Annandale was derived from the Lord of Annandale or Earl of Annandale of the Sir Robert de Brusce family.
5. Annandale is home to the Northern Virginia Community College. The collage is highly involved with placing their graduates by using a preferred transfers system. Also on the campus is the Richard J. Ernst Community Cultural Center which spans 66,000 square feet with 525 seats and video production capability.
6. Annandale is home to several historic sites. Some of these include the Barcroft Community House, Birch House, Cherry Hill, Oakton Trolley Station, Calvert Manor, Calendon School, Moorefiled, and Glebe.
7. Annandale has several large employees in the local area, such as well-known names like IBM, ENSCO, Inc., and SAIC. There are numerous other opportunities for employment, such as jobs at George Mason University, Fairfax INOVA Hospital, Westwood College, Computer Sciences Corp., and Home Instead Senior Care.
8. The household income in Annandale is $112,314, while the average income in Fairfax County is $103,000. The medium household income in the CDP is 65.3 percent greater than the Virginia average and a whopping 91.4 percent greater than the national average.

If you’re interested in living or working in Annandale, Virginia, you may be seeking more information about the area. You’ll be glad to know that the area offers plenty of opportunities for work, education, and of course fun. Discover all that Annandale, VA has to offer while visiting the Northern Virginia city.