18th century Fairfax County was home to men who would lay the foundation of the United States of America. George Washington and George Mason were two of these patriots and a visit to Mason’s home, Gunston Hall, is a great place to begin your trip though Colonial Era Fairfax. Mason, the father of the Bill of Rights, was a close friend and confidant of George Washington, who made his home a short distance up the Potomac River at Mount Vernon. Today, visitors to Mount Vernon will be able to experience the recently completed multimillion dollar expansion underneath the grounds of America’s most visited historic home. This expansion features 25 unbelievable new galleries and theatres. Journeys to nearby Historic Woodlawn, George Washington’s Gristmill and Distillery, River Farm and Collingwood Library complete your colonial quest.