The Fairfax Hunt History: Introduction
Sections: Introduction | 1928-1972 | 1972-2010
Introduction
When A. Smith Bowman founded The Fairfax Hunt in 1928, the landscape of Fairfax County, Virginia, bore more resemblance to the land over which George Washington rode to hounds than to today's megalopolis. Landmarks now known across the country, indeed some around the world, did not then exist: Tysons Corner, Reston, Wolftrap Center for the Performing Arts, and Dulles International Airport, to name a few.
Bailey's Hunting Directory describes the original Fairfax Hunt territory as such: "This territory is very historical, including the spot of the first business venture of George Washington at Great Falls, also part of the battle grounds of Bull Run, Chantilly and Dranesville. Rolling plains with post and rail panels. Considerably wooded, approximately 15 miles square."
The Fairfax Hunt enjoyed roughly 40 years of excellent sport in the county that bears its name. However, as the club was establishing itself as a favorite of both local sporting enthusiasts and Washington-based dignitaries, its home territory was also bracing for a massive explosion of development. Twenty years after the post-World War II boom began, there was no room left for foxhunting in Fairfax County.
Fortunately, due to the insight and tenacity of the club's leaders, including still-serving Master Randolph D. Rouse, the hunt continues to enjoy sport in Loudoun County, just west of Fairfax. This would not have been possible without the cooperation of neighboring hunts Loudoun, Middleburg, Piedmont and the blessing of the Masters of Foxhounds Association.
The territory still consists of rolling plains and woodlands, with chicken coops, post-and-rail fences, and stone walls. Members and guests include native Virginians, some from multigenerational foxhunting families, as well as many transplants whose careers brought them to Northern Virginia. The hunt is still privileged to enjoy the company of diplomats, business leaders, military officers, and other dignitaries from around the world who are drawn from the nation's capital to the beautiful Virginia countryside.
The Fairfax Hunt’s pack of American-English crossbred hounds are well suited to our territory, as they are lean and fit, sturdy, and tenacious. The hunt takes maximum advantage of the countryside, enjoying the twisting, turning, circuitous routes for which this pack is noted.
Professional Huntsman Kevin Palmer hunts hounds twice weekly from a variety of fixtures in Loudoun County. Palmer holds the distinction of being the grandson of Estler Palmer, a founding member of The Fairfax Hunt. Adding to his stature as a true horseman and son of the Old Dominion, Palmer’s great-grandfather served with the 43rd Battalion of Virginia Cavalry, better known as Mosby's Rangers, under the leadership of Col. John Singleton Mosby, the Confederacy's legendary Gray Ghost. It's hard to find more bona fide Virginia horsemen credentials than that.
A history of The Fairfax Hunt was written in 1972. Due to the efforts of those who put this piece together, we have a detailed account of the first 40-plus years of the club. Given the dramatic changes in the landscape over which club members once rode, it's indeed fortunate that this account remains a testament to the days when horse sports could still be enjoyed in Fairfax County.
The following section contains excerpts from this historical account.
Sections: Introduction | 1928-1972 | 1972-2010
