Maintaining the Historic Character of Hunter Mill Road

Numerous historic sites, trails and buildings along Hunter Mill Road, some of which date back as early as the 1700s, contribute to the road’s historic character. 

What Must Be Done

In order to maintain the historic character of Hunter Mill Road, these sites must be identified, preserved and enhanced.  

What Has Been Accomplished So Far

• The History Committee of a local civic association (The Hunter Mill Defense League (HMDL)) has already identified over 50 historic sites in the Hunter Mill Road Corridor. Many of those that have been researched are adjacent to the road. 
• In 2002, the entire Hunter Mill Road Corridor was identified as a historic district and determined to be eligible for inclusion in both the Virginia and National Registers of Historic Places as the Hunter Mill Historic District.
• In 2005, the southern end of the Hunter Mill Historic District was also identified as a historic district and determined to be eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places as the Oakton Crossroads Historic District
• Four historic sites along Hunter Mill Road have been included in the Fairfax County Inventory of Historic Sites.
• In 2005, the Fairfax County History Commission approved the placement of a historical highway marker at Cartersville Baptist Church.
• The HMDL History Committee has published research reports entitled “The History of Hunter Mill Road” and “The Civil War History of Hunter Mill Road” and has produced a related video to increase public awareness. 
• The HMDL History Committee has been serving as a consulting party under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 with regard to the development of the Appalachian Outfitters site in the Oakton Crossroads Historic District and has been advocating alternatives that promote the preservation of the site’s historic structures.

Next Steps

The HMDL History Committee will continue to:

• Research and document historic sites along Hunter Mill Road, with the goal of listing the Hunter Mill Historic District in both the Virginia and National Register of Historic Places.
• Publish historic research to further increase public awareness of the history of Hunter Mill Road.
• Nominate sites along Hunter Mill Road for inclusion in the Fairfax County Inventory of Historic Sites with the next nomination to be submitted in early-2006.
• Submit nominations for the placement of historical highway markers for appropriate sites along Hunter Mill Road.

Challenges

Development and road widening can adversely alter the historic character of Hunter Mill Road.  The challenge is to address the incremental impact on historic resources as land use and transportation decisions are made.  Actions that enhance the awareness and protection of the historic character of Hunter Mill Road should be encouraged.