Herndon, Virginia
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| Herndon, Virginia | |
|---|---|
| Name | Herndon |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Pushpin label | Herndon |
| Coordinates | 38, 58, 14, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Virginia |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Fairfax |
| Established title | Incorporated |
| Established date | 1879 |
| Government type | Council-Manager |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Sheila Olem |
| Leader title1 | Town Manager |
| Leader name1 | Bill Ashton II |
| Area total sq mi | 4.23 |
| Area land sq mi | 4.21 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.02 |
| Elevation ft | 364 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 24379 |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 20170, 20171 |
| Area code | 703, 571 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 51-36648 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1495666 |
| Website | www.herndon-va.gov |
Herndon, Virginia. Herndon is an incorporated town within Fairfax County, Virginia, located in the Washington metropolitan area. Founded in the mid-19th century as a railroad junction, it has evolved from an agricultural community into a major hub for technology and commerce. The town is known for its historic downtown, diverse population, and proximity to key regional assets like Washington Dulles International Airport and the Dulles Technology Corridor.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Doeg people and later settled by European colonists in the early 18th century. The community, first known as "Herndon Station," was established in 1858 with the arrival of the Alexandria, Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad and named for naval commander William Lewis Herndon. During the American Civil War, the region witnessed cavalry skirmishes, including actions related to the Mosby's Rangers. Herndon was officially incorporated by the Virginia General Assembly in 1879, with its early economy centered on dairy farming and the Southern Railway. Significant 20th-century growth was catalyzed by the 1962 opening of Washington Dulles International Airport and the subsequent development of the Dulles Technology Corridor, attracting firms like MCI Communications and Verizon Business.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 4.23 square miles, almost entirely land. It is situated in the Piedmont region of Northern Virginia, with terrain characterized by rolling hills. Herndon is bordered by the community of Reston to the east and is proximate to Difficult Run and the Potomac River watershed. Major transportation arteries include the Dulles Toll Road, VA-267, and VA-28, providing direct connections to Tysons, Arlington, and Washington, D.C..
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 24,379. The town exhibits considerable racial and ethnic diversity, with significant communities of Asian, Hispanic or Latino, and Black residents. Herndon is part of the highly educated Washington metropolitan area, with a large percentage of adults holding bachelor's degrees or higher. The Fairfax County Public Schools system serves the town, including institutions like Herndon High School. Residential neighborhoods range from historic homes near the Herndon Depot Museum to modern apartment complexes.
Economy
Herndon's economy is dominated by the technology and telecommunications sectors, heavily influenced by its location in the Dulles Technology Corridor. It hosts major corporate offices for companies such as Verizon Business, NTT DATA, and Leidos. The presence of Washington Dulles International Airport and the adjacent Dulles access road makes it a strategic location for aviation, logistics, and federal contractors serving agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration and the United States Department of Defense. The historic downtown area maintains a mix of local retail and restaurants, contributing to the local tax base.
Government and infrastructure
Herndon operates under a council-manager system, with a mayor and six-member Herndon Town Council elected at-large. Day-to-day operations are managed by an appointed Town manager. The town's own police department, the Herndon Police Department, provides law enforcement, while fire and rescue services are supplied by the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Critical infrastructure includes the Herndon-Monroe Park and Ride facility, a major commuter hub with WMATA Metrobus and Fairfax Connector services. The town's public works manages utilities, and it is part of the Fairfax County Water Authority system.
Culture and recreation
The town celebrates its heritage with annual events like the Herndon Festival and the Herndon Christmas Parade. The Herndon Depot Museum, located in a restored 1857 Southern Railway station, details local history. Cultural venues include the NextStop Theatre Company and the ArtSpace Herndon gallery. Recreational facilities are anchored by the Herndon Community Center, which features an aquatic center, and extensive parkland such as Runnymede Park and Bready Park. The Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park trail runs through the town, providing a paved route for cycling and walking that connects to Reston and Purcellville.
Category:Towns in Virginia Category:Populated places in Fairfax County, Virginia