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Fort Belvoir, VA is an Army installation that absorbed about 30 other federal agencies in 2011 as an outcome of the 2005 BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure Commission), still known as Fort Belvoir, the population nearly doubled with a population growth of about 27,000. This installation is located in Fairfax County in the Commonwealth of Virginia approximately 45 miles south of Washington, DC and is the home to 130 federal agencies from all military components as well as all other federal organizations. Two geographical landmarks in the immediate area are Great Falls National Park and Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, the first president of the United States. The fort is situated half way between Washington, DC and Richmond, VA providing countless tourist attractions that include historical locations, national parks, monuments, museums, theatres, and, of course, the White House and Congressional buildings. There is never a time when less than two dozen events are available to the public.
History
The Belvoir Plantation was the original home of William Fairfax. The land was purchased in 1738 and the family mansion was built in 1740. After the home was destroyed by fire in 1783 the family did not rebuilt. The mansion remains and nearby family graves are listed as Historic Places. The land was transferred to the War Department in 1912. In 1915 Camp Belvoir was established as a rifle range and training camp. The name was changed to Camp A.A. Humphreys in 1917 when the Corps of Engineers trained engineer replacements for World War I on the site. The name then changed to Fort Belvoir in 1930 to honor the Fairfax family plantation, Belvoir. Today Fort Belvoir continues to serve as a strategic sustaining base as part of the National Capital Region District of the Installation Management Command for numerous operational matters.
Mission
Fort Belvoir has a global responsibility to operate and maintain the installation to support and service the residing 130 agencies with goals and objectives to protect the nation’s defense strategy. The base executes mobilization requirements, military operations, and contingency, force protection, and intelligence missions that support unit readiness and Army transformation. Major organizational units comprise representation from across the entire federal government. The majority of the organizations are housed at Fort Belvoir with several satellite activities housed in neighboring communities.
Area and Population
Fort Belvoir occupies the entire 8658 acres from the original Belvoir Plantation. As of the end of 2011, including population growth from incoming BRAC organizations, is 111,000, composed of Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard personnel from all services, other Federal organizations, family members and civilian employees.
Family Housing
Fort Belvoir has 2106 family quarters of single, duplex, and multiplex housing, with more scheduled for renovation and construction. The family housing units are managed by a rental firm that will work with local communities to help families find living arrangements when the on-base housing is full.
Education
There is one elementary school located on Fort Belvoir. School age children for Middle School and High School must register and attend schools in Fairfax County. Transportation to and from schools is provided.
Daily Living
There is one major commissary and several smaller shoppettes, two shopping centers with PXs selling national brand merchandise. The PX centers have fast food and dine-in eateries, banking, gasoline and auto repair, movie theatres and more. There are three medical health clinics plus DeWitt Army Community Hospital and one dental clinic for active duty uniformed personnel. Six religious chapels are available for services related to all denominations. Army Community Services assistances with any special needs. Family and Soldier Morale, Welfare and Recreational centers supply golf courses, gyms, pools, archery, horse riding, gun shop, arts and crafts activities, travel services, a library, and several wildlife refuge areas. Fort Belvoir maintains an Army Museum and provides support to thousands of military retirees.
Visiting Fort Belvoir
Fort Belvoir is not open to the public except for visitors to the museum, the wildlife refuse areas, the handicap accessible fishing piers, and by invitational request.
Fort Belvoir is a first class, modern military installation that is steeped in history, both archeological and colonial. An excellent military experience for military service, interagency cooperation and living.
