Springfield is a census-designated place (CDP) in Fairfax County, Virginia and a suburb of Washington, D.C. Springfield with a population of just over 32,000 and serves as a popular commuter town for many families working in nearby cities. A small town, those moving to Springfield is ideal for families and singles looking for small town atmosphere with big city access.
History:
Springfield was founded as a station of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad in 1847. The station was named for the estate of Henry Daingerfield on whose land it had been built. Daingerfield was an Alexandria businessman and sat on the board of directors of the railroad. Springfield remained a rural crossroads until Edward Carr decided to subdivide the area for suburban development in 1946 along the recently opened Henry Shirley Highway. Carr, a realtor, believed this to be the last easily accessible tract within 12 miles of Washington, D.C. Ready access to Washington, via the Shirley Highway spurred tremendous growth in the area in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1950, the area had an estimated population of 1,000. Growth led to the building of Robert E. Lee High School in 1957. By 1960, the population was reported as over 10,000 and grew to more than 25,000 by 1970 with the North and West Springfield neighborhood. The area through the 1980s and 1990s until the Franconia-Springfield Parkway in 1996, and the Franconia-Springfield Metro and Virginia Rail Express Station in 1997, led to the expansion of retail and high-density housing in the area. Today, the city has plans to revamp the mall from an indoor facility into a town center with a mixture of shopping, office and residential development.
Economy:
People often think of the Washington, D.C. area as a "company town" where most people work for the federal government. However, in the early 21st century, only one of six workers in the area was on the government payroll. By contrast, there has been a great deal of growth in the private service sector, which now accounts for one of every three jobs. Still, many of these employees work for companies who rely on government contracts. As the largest consumer of technological equipment and service in the world, the federal government stimulates business through purchases, research and development funding, and grant and loan programs. As a result, Washington is a magnet for growth industries, such as paper products, telecommunications, information and computer firms, and many service industries, especially tourism and hospitality firms. Nearly 50 of the major Fortune 500 companies have offices in the district, which is also the location of leading world, national and regional financial institutions. In addition, the area houses more than 1,000 national associations' headquarters and lobby groups who need a presence in the district to attempt to shape and influence the legislation process on their own behalf. Many of the new buildings are connected directly to the stations through underground tunnels that also serve retail stores and restaurants.
Tourism:
Start by heading to the Franconia Museum. The Franconia Museum is a private museum dedicated to preserving the past, present, and future of the Franconia area through pictures, artifacts and stories. Next, check out the Great Waves at Cameron Run. This water park offers fun for the entire family. Catch a wave in the wave pool or twist and turn down four-story water slides and more. The perfect way to cool down during the hot summer months, Great Waves is the ideal place to spend the day with your family. For a little relaxation, head over to the Hidden Pound Nature Center. The nature center, which is accessible to everyone, features exhibits and live displays which orient you to the park and the natural world of Fairfax County. And, if you're looking to get outside, Lake Accotink facilities and activities vary by season and include canoe, rowboat and pedal boat rentals, fishing, tour-boat rides, a boat launch, bait and tackle sales, a nine-green double holed miniature golf course, picnic areas with grills, a playground and a 3.75-mile hiking/biking trail and two open play fields. Finally, located on the banks of the Potomac River and surrounded by woods and gardens, the Collingwood Library and Museum on Americanism is a perfect setting for your next event. The main building and grounds, which were once part of George Washington's River Farm, are available for weddings, receptions and other private functions.