Clara Barton and One of the most historic church’s during the Civil War and the beginning of the Red Cross.
St. Mary Church was constructed in 1858 by Irish immigrants who worked on the railroad.
The church became a landmark for both the southern and northern armies vying for control of the railroads.
During the 2nd battle of Bull Run the church was used as a field hospital for wounded Union troops and tended by volunteers.
One volunteer was a woman by the name of Clara Barton, who continue to volunteer throughout the war and would go on the create the American Red Cross after the war
General Grant heard that the church was damaged from the battle and ordered immediate reconstruction.
During the 1870’s the church would have a 4th of July picnic this would later be converted to a Labor Day celebration in 1884.
The event is now considered the oldest outdoor event in Fairfax County with roughly 10,000 attending.
Today, the historic church still holds mass six times a week.
