Green Spring Farm, Fairfax County, Virginia

Set in the rolling fields of Fairfax County, this richly illustrated study follows the life of a single parcel of land from the colonial era to the late twentieth century. Through the eyes of the families who lived and worked there, listeners hear how agriculture, war, and economic change shaped everyday life. The narrative grounds broader regional history in personal stories of perseverance and adaptation.

The first section traces the Moss family, freeholders who cultivated the farm from the 1770s through the early nineteenth century, revealing the rhythms of planting, livestock, and community obligations. Later chapters shift to Fountain Beattie’s orchard and dairy operations at the turn of the twentieth century, illustrating how new technologies and market forces altered the landscape. Finally, the post‑World War II era under Michael Straight shows the farm’s gradual transition out of traditional agriculture.

Detailed floor plans, historic maps, and photographs accompany the narrative, allowing listeners to picture the mansion house, barns, log cabin, and spring house as they evolve. This blend of scholarly research and vivid storytelling makes the farm’s centuries‑long saga accessible and engaging.