The Steak Lovers' guide to Vienna, VA

Sightseeing at Vienna, VA – An observation through history

While the mention of Vienna brings to the mind an array of European – or to be more precise, Austrian - wonders, few among us are aware that there is also another Vienna to be found in the states of Virginia, USA. However, we are not comparing; but we think it’s also paramount to get some information on the town of Vienna prior to the indulgence.

The residents of Vienna, Virginia are proud about their little hometown, a city amidst a filigree of tree-lined monumental architecture and tourist attractions. The most notable ones among these are the Church Street, the Historic District, Freeman House and Museum, the Centennial Park and Old Dominion Regional Park Trail.

Vienna, VA witnessed Colonel Charles Broadwater as the first settler in 1754, who also owned much of the land here in this region. The population started growing after the 1760-s; it was the Colonel’s daughter marriage that is held responsible. But it was not until the next century the city saw industrialization setting in; it was a plow factory that marked the beginning of a new era in Vienna and then, a railroad, which was again delayed due to the Civil War. However, communication with the outer world occurred through the Old Georgetown Road, a factor that made Vienna an alternate camping ground during the Civil War phase for both contending forces.

After the war ended, businesses flourished all over Vienna, VA especially, the saw and gristmills, iron, wood and coal, food and household item productions. Dairies also showed up within the town limits as well as undertaking business; the Money and King Funeral Home still stands as an evidence. Among the social security businesses, the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department at the Fairfax County happens to be the oldest.

The Vienna that we see today started coming up from the 1950-s; this was when modernization started spreading its roots all over the city. The opening of shopping centers marked the age of modernization replacing the Victorian themes and maple trees along Maple Avenue and what followed was a sudden increase in population. As a result, up came the Fairfax Hospital; the Dulles International Airport; the Tyson’s Corner Center and the Vienna Metro service, followed by the Vienna Community Center and the Patrick Henry Library. By 1971, Vienna became fully equipped to compete with some of the most renowned cities of that time US.

So now, when you have had an idea of what Vienna, VA is all about, let’s turn to a few places that people consider the most prominent of all the Viennese attractions. One such is the Civil War Fort (330 Center Street, Vienna, VA); located beside the American Legion Post No. 180, this earthen fortification resembles a six-point star in shape, laid over a 130-yard perimeter. The next one is the Freeman House and Museum (131 Church Street, Vienna, VA); the legacy of this place lies in the different roles it played all over the years. It was a residence that turned to a store, then a Civil War hospital; a railroad station for sometime; then a post office and lastly, a fire department before it was assigned the honor of a museum and an old-fashioned general store that remains open only on the weekends. So, while you wait for the next Saturday, utilize your time at the Wolf Trap Park for the Performing Arts (1624 Trap Road, Vienna, VA); this non-profit organization shall present you with a full-range of programs on performance and education.

About the Author

Katalin Cseke is the author of this article on Vienna Virginia directory. Find more information about Vienna Virginia classifieds here.