On April 12, 1861 a new chapter unfolded for the Fairfax Courthouse as the Civil War broke out following the attack on Fort Sumter at the Charleston, South Carolina harbor. Tensions quickly mounted. On May 23, 1861, Fairfax County residents approved the Ordinance of Secession by a vote of 945 to 289, with 11 of 14 Fairfax County precincts voting in favor. The vote at Fairfax Courthouse was overwhelmingly for secession, 151 to 8. There were reports that armed officials helped persuade some voters.

In the wee hours of the morning on June 1, 1861, 210 Confederate Virginia troops bivouacking around the courthouse grounds found themselves engaged in a surprise attack from Union Cavalry forces. The ensuing chaotic skirmish led to the first death of a Confederate officer in the Civil War, Captain John Quincy Marr, who commanded the Warrenton Rifles. The attack on Fairfax Courthouse was to go down in history as one of the first land engagements of the Civil War between northern and southern forces. By July, the Confederates abandoned the area, as all eyes and manpower on both sides were focusing on the huge battle yet to come and would be called the 1st Battle of Manassas (Confederate name)/Bull Run (Union name).

The quick thinking and fleeing court clerk, Alfred Moss, saved the will of George Washington and other historic papers. He took them on horseback by night for safekeeping into other Virginia environs. The Fairfax courthouse would exchange hands several times throughout the Civil War. These historic papers were returned to the courthouse after the end of the war.

Unfortunately, during the Union occupation of the courthouse building, many important documents were destroyed. They were used to fuel fires. Luckily, Martha Washington's will was found scattered on the floor and was taken by a Union officer. His heir, years later, sold the historic documents to J. P. Morgan for a tidy sum of money. Her will remained in the possession of the Morgan family for many years. Eventually, it returned to the Fairfax Courthouse, where they are now both displayed from time to time in the County Clerk’s Circuit Court Historic Records office.

Today, the old Fairfax Courthouse has been restored and is one of the oldest and most historic places in northern Virginia. Newer buildings on the grounds still serve as the Fairfax Juvenile and Domestic Relations General District Court. Cannons are in place to remind passersby of its historic past, and a monument has been erected in memory of Captain Marr.

The "Old Fairfax Courthouse" by Paul McGehee is faithfully reproduced as an archival-quality print from the original color pencil drawing in a limited edition of only 500 pieces and each hand-signed. Image Size: 7" x 9 1/2". Once they are gone, they are gone. To purchase prints please go to the membership page for a membership and framed signed limited edition. To find other wonderful works by artist Paul McGehee, visit his website at http://www.paulmcgeheeart.com/.