West Springfield High School
GPS Coordinates: 38.7854554, -77.2397807
Closest Address: 6100 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA 22152

Here follows a history of the school as published on the Fairfax County Public Schools website:
West Springfield High School was established in September 1966. Students first attended class on the campus of Lee High School in Springfield until our building was ready for occupancy. When students moved into West Springfield High School on January 30, 1967, the building was still under construction. According to alumna Jody Nelson, "Part of it was closed off until it was finished. It was so far from the cafeteria and office to the classrooms by the parking lot that some of the students who helped out in the office wore roller skates to deliver messages and passes!” Our first principal was S. John Davis, who later became a superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools. As we commemorate our more than 50 years of educating children in the West Springfield community, we invite you to explore some facets of our unique and fascinating history.
WSHS in the 1960s
The 1960s are famous for being the height of cultural upheaval, societal change, and global anxiety. The hippie and counter-cultural movements were emerging in full force, the Vietnam War and the Cuban Crises were unfolding, and America was rushing to the finish line in the Space Race. As their high school was just opening and they settled in for the next stage of their lives, the students of WSHS found a new home and community as both they, and their school, came of age.
WSHS 1960s - Athletics
Integral to any high school’s identity is its athletic program. While the first decade’s sports program was far smaller than in the coming years, athletes from football, basketball, baseball, and beyond delighted the student body and showcased the talents of the WSHS student body.
WSHS 1960s - Foundations
The 1960s saw the creation of many new institutions, but for the teenagers of southern Fairfax County, no such inception topped that of West Springfield High School. The building did not open until January 30, 1967, over halfway through the school year, but it did include such innovative designs as a gigantic 912 person cafeteria, a medium-sized literature library, and 2,065 undersized student lockers. A new location, a new building, new classmates, and new teachers all greeted the incoming classes. As these student blazed through the close of this decade, one thing was certain—this community would become their own.
Memories
In this video, West Springfield alumni Michael and Bonnie (Moss) Stafford, members of the first graduating class, reminisce about the founding of the school.
"As early as 1963, the Fairfax County School Board foresaw the need for a high school in the West Springfield community, but it was not until March 1966, that S. John Davis was appointed as principal, many months before ground was actually broken for the campus complex on Rolling Road. Classes met at Lee High School on a staggered schedule for the first semester from 10:30 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. Clubs were organized, athletic teams formed, and musical groups assembled which held their practices sessions at 7:30 a.m. [The] most challenging task of the new student body was choosing a school emblem, colors, and theme that would become an integral part of the sixteenth high school in the county. Navy blue and burnt orange exemplifies the Spartan Spirit which already manifests itself in the student body as they adopt the Greek letters TRUTH, WISDOM, AND HONOR as their motto. Literally brick by brick progress on the new school was reported daily by students as they rode by the site. Anticipation ran high as word was spread that [students] would move on January 30, 1967! And so, in 1966, a school is born . . . may it grow in wisdom, stature, and honor, and in favor with God and man."
~ WSHS Olympian, Volume I, 1967
WSHS 1960s - Student Life
The “Snarl” Monsters
For the first WSHS magazine drive, students meeting their quotas were awarded Snarl Monsters, a prize truly unique to Fairfax County. See the furry fiends as they pop-up all around the school.
From the desk of the principal to the shelves of the libraries, the Snarl Monsters infected every corner of WSHS in the late sixties. Ironically referred to as "dream pets" by the students at the time, the Snarls would become synonymous with the enterprising spirit of the new school and with general teenage tomfoolery.
Two Snarl Monster companions, the left one adorning a sash advertising WSHS, greet students as they enter their homeroom. If not for their fuzzy exterior, their over-sized eyes, or their peculiar shape, they would best be known for their stylish white bow ties.
Spaghetti Dinners
A tradition unique to West Springfield High, every year the school's Junior Class enjoyed a fabulous feast with fellow classmates centered around food, fellowship, and camaraderie. See The Oracle page for the 1960s for more information.
Sadie Hawkins
The classic school dance where girls invite guys, WSHS played host to this rite of passage and oversaw many of these dances, sponsored by the Key Club and the Keyettes, in its formative years.
The Pool on the Roof
Did you know that there's a pool on the roof of West Springfield High School? You can thank members of the first graduating class for starting that rumor back in the 1960s.
WSHS 1960s - The Oracle
What is a school without a school newspaper? This work of journalism, composed by students for students, offered updates on pertinent events, provided insightful commentary and editorials, and facilitated a holistic lens into the lives of WSHS students. To this day, the award-winning Oracle is a microcosm of the school itself, and its issues are case studies that speak to the soul of the institution in this decade.
The Voice of the Students
An angry student opines to the Oracle about friends of football players who are loud at games, while the Oracle staff writes its own letter imploring students to send more letters to them, as they fear no one is reading the school paper.
"All libel-free, obscenity-free letters are published... This isn't a totalitarian state."
The Underground Newspapers
Facing the prospects of competing with two underground student newspapers, the Oracle carves out its unique place among them by doing the unthinkable: defending modern education.
"School is more or less the lesser of two evils, lesser than the insecurity of dropping out."
A Police State
There are draconian measures, and then there is the WSHS Hallway Policing Plan described here. “Ogre patrols” guarding every corner of the halls, multi-step hall passes, and strict requirements for teacher visitation all plagued the WSHS students of the 1960s.
"One has to have practically a gold key signed by God to get through [the halls]."
WSHS in the 1970s
The 1970s were a pivotal time for the United States. With the Vietnam War coming to a close in 1975, the 1970s in America brought a surge of social progressive values which had begun gaining popularity in the 1960s. Some of these new ideas, such as increasing political awareness and the beginning of the feminist movement, had great influence on young people, especially students at West Springfield High School.
WSHS 1970s - Extracurricular Activities
West Springfield students have always valued extracurricular activities. In particular, the English Department thrived during the latter half of the decade. Their biggest success was the Shakespeare Festival in 1979 as it was attended by Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor Warner. This event was one of the most memorable of the decade for many dedicated West Springfield students.
Other clubs and extracurriculars also prospered in the 1970’s. One of the most popular among students, known for its comedic value, was the “International Turtles”. The International Turtles Society was the epitome of student life at West Springfield, claiming to have partied hard and sung through the halls of the school.
Students ranking high on the scholastic ladder were given an opportunity to train for a position on the It’s Academic Team. Each year they competed with two area high schools on a local TV program where they put their knowledge to the test.
The International Relations Club, 1970-71. Some club members also participated on the Model United Nations Team.
Firsts in Spartan Sports
West Springfield had many firsts in athletics during the 1970s. For example the following sports were first offered:
1970
Girls Volleyball
Boys Soccer
Freshman Wrestling
1972
Swim and Dive Team
1975
Girls Cross Country Team
1976
Girls Soccer Team
West Springfield’s Junior Varsity Boys Soccer Team, 1970-71. West Springfield didn’t have a Girls Soccer Team until 1976. West Springfield Field Hockey, 1970-71. Field Hockey was one of the only girls sports offered at West Springfield in the 1970s. Boys basketball has been a popular sport at West Springfield since the 1970s. Some wrestling matches are particularly hard fought. West Springfield’s Junior Varsity Wrestling Team fought all the way to the district championship in 1970-71, and won! This was also the same year that West Springfield formed its first Freshman Wrestling Team.
WSHS 1970s - Fashion
Pop Culture
1970s fashion is known for the hippie inspired bell bottoms that dominated the clothing market during the decade. Other popular items, such as mini skirts and platform shoes, could be easily observed among the students of West Springfield High School.
Female Clothing
The 1970s were marked by a triumphant “return to normalcy,” as a response to the detrimental Vietnam War period. The women’s counterculture-era fashion was pushed off to the side and was replaced by shorter skirts, dresses, and shorts. Dresses were still very popular among young women. Fancier outfits were more common during this phase in fashion.
Female Hairstyles
Women adored the voluminous hairstyles of the times and attempted to replicate that of famous hair icons, such as actress Farrah Fawcett. Young women would try to replicate her look by using hair curlers to get the desired volume. The bouncy hairdo is even still requested in salons today. Her big hair was a trademark of the times, made popular by her role on the show Charlie’s Angels.
Male Clothing
In the 1970s, bold patterns replaced the dull colors of the counterculture movement with bright sweaters and button-ups. Men often sported turtlenecks, cuffed jeans, and glasses.
Male Hairstyles
Young men could often be seen wearing longer hair styles. The mullet was one of these styles, made popular by rock bands.
WSHS 1970s - Student Life
Because West Springfield was so young, the 1970s provided the school and students with the opportunity to solidify their traditions and culture. In the 1970s, students at West Springfield enjoyed many fun activities and traditions that are no longer observed today. For example: the Sadie Hawkins dance each fall, a large bonfire during homecoming week, and a fundraising event in which students rode donkeys while playing basketball on the school’s court.
Although, some of these activities have been discontinued for current students at West Springfield High School, some traditions still remain. One of these traditions is the school’s annual homecoming parade where the students nominated to the homecoming court and the members of the fall sports teams make their way through the surrounding neighborhoods. These valued traditions were, and still are, an important aspect of student life at West Springfield High School.
WSHS in the 1980s
The 1980s saw the end of the Cold War, the infamous AIDS epidemic, and the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush impact the lives of millions of Americans. Just as they do today, current events across the country reached high schools and influenced the way that generation of students learned and behaved in school. West Springfield High School students took a special interest in global affairs, life at home, journalism, and the arts; as these aspects of everyday life flourished during the decade.
WSHS 1980s - Athletic Accomplishments
West Springfield High School as always prided itself on its athletic achievements. Alongside their academic work, students at West Springfield focus on performing to the best of their abilities. In the 1980’s especially, student athletes went above and beyond in their athletic endeavors. The Varsity Football team experienced their best season in school history up until that point. In the spring of 1988, West Springfield High School won its first AAA Northern Region gymnastics title yesterday at Chantilly High School. David Wilderman also won the Virginia AAA wrestling championship - 138 pound class.
WSHS 1980s - Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities have always played a very important role in the lives of West Springfield students. Countless pages of the school yearbooks from the 1980s showcase just how involved students were and how dedicated the school was to maintaining a strong set of extracurriculars for students to take part in. Sports was a major component of after school activities, as the student body prided themselves on their athletic achievements (see below). Throughout the entire decade, students immersed themselves in clubs and honor societies based around the classes they took at school. For example, languages such as French and German were popular at West Springfield with dozens of members participating in weekly meetings and events.
WSHS 1980s - Fashion
Female Clothing
The second half of the 1980s was the more momentous bit, especially for teenagers. Funky clothing such as parachute pants, layers (leggings accompanied by leg-warmers), and crop tops were all worn by young women. The lurid coloring and the brightness of the work-out ensembles made popular during this time made this phenomenon something highly alluded to in modern hallowed costumes. Scrunchies went along well with this athletic look too. This period also saw the official start to women opting to wear pants more readily as a fashion statement with the rise of pantsuits. Furthermore, huge accessories were sought after and employed to display a woman’s opulence.
Female Hairstyles
The 1980s was the era of affluence and putting on a show. Women would style their hair in big curls and put on extravagant makeup, although the latter was mostly seen in adults.
Male Clothing
Young men of the times wore looser clothing due to the rise in prominence of athletic clothing. Varsity jackets and plaid or striped shirts were common among teenage boys. The rise of leisure wear can be traced back to this era in fashion history.
Male Hairstyles
The “quiff” hairstyle was monumental during the times, perhaps as a nod to Elvis’s death; the look he had modeled for many years was finally becoming more popularized by the youth. Shows throughout the decade popularized the look for young teenagers.
WSHS 1980s - The Oracle
Journalism has always been an important aspect of student life at West Springfield High School. The Oracle is the award-winning student-run newspaper for the school. In the 1980’s, students aimed to discuss global and local current events, such as attempts to raise the legal drinking age in Virginia or the success and failures of the president at the time. Students also tended to debate controversial issues in the newspaper, as well as voicing their opinions on school news. Student struggles with adapting to the renovations and detailing important school traditions played a major role in the makeup of the beloved school newspaper. The Oracle is able to give a clear insight into what high school students in the 1980’s thought and cared about, ranging from issues such as smoking privileges being taken away from students of the legal age to dating in high school.
WSHS 1980s - Renovations
Students at West Springfield High School began to see the need and push for the first round of renovations to the school during the early 1980s. However, it wasn’t until 1988 that the school board awarded a contract of renewal to West Springfield. Following much debate between the school board, the Fairfax school system, and West Springfield parents, construction began in the late 1980’s. Shaping a new school ultimately affected the student’s learning environments and influenced them to such a degree that it became a regular topic in the school newspaper, “The Oracle”. Students used The Oracle to both criticize and advocate their support for the modernization of the school, illustrating the effect that restorations had on daily student life and the classes as a whole. Many students found the renovations disruptive to the learning environment, voicing their complaints to teachers and their peers. Large scale renovations to the school constituted a unique learning experience for West Springfield students during the final years of the decade and onwards into the 1990’s. Many students found the renovations disruptive to the learning environment, voicing their complaints to teachers and their peers.
WSHS 1980s - Student Life
Student life has always flourished at West Springfield High School. Many hallowed school traditions that originated within the first fews years of its opening continued and many more new ones emerged. Seniors often encouraged eager freshman about the non-existent roof swimming pool, a tradition that is still carried out today. The temporary Spartan mascot of the Super Chicken first made its appearance in the 1980’s during the football season and was loved by students throughout the school. As pictured below, the high-spirited, enthusiastic essence of the high school students was portrayed by the livelihood of the mascot. In further attempts to embody the effervescence of West Springfield High School students, many students took to decorating the schools halls. Students banded together to beautify the school and promote school, even doing so as renovations began in 1988. Decorating the hallways, dressing up in crazy costumes for school spirit days, and spending their nights in the high school cafeteria dancing to the top hits of the 1980’s was the norm for students at West Springfield.
WSHS in the 1990s
With the dawning of a new decade and another step towards a new millenium, the 1990s witnessed the Persian Gulf War, the Clinton presidency (and its accompanying scandal), the availability of the internet for unrestricted commercial use, and various worldwide political shifts as countries and groups struggled for equality and independence. Just as current events across the country and the globe affect our everyday interactions, attitudes, and lifestyles, these events reached high schools and influenced curriculum, student organizations, as well as student’s attitudes, values, and form of expression. In the 1990s, West Springfield High School began to lean towards teaching the curriculum in a way that was geared towards the development of the individual as well as a sustained interest in global affairs, life at home, journalism, and the arts; as these aspects of everyday life flourished during the decade.
WSHS 1990s - Fashion
Fashion styles in the 1990s were characterized by a variety of loose and tight-fitting styles influenced Hollywood actors such as Claire Danes and Drew Barrymore, television and movie characters such as Hilary Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and musicians such as Janet Jackson, Lauryn Hill, and Outkast. Clothing styles popularized by these icons included everything from straight-leg jeans with Doc Martens and a graphic t-shirt, to cuffed high-waisted shorts with a simple striped shirt and vans, to slip dresses with a matching choker and kitten heels. Although West Springfield students did not quite go to such stylish extremes on a day-to-day basis, opting for milder and syncretic versions of popularized styles, their daily dress took on aspects of popular styles.
Female Clothing
In the early 1990s, name-brand sweaters and turtlenecks were in demand and collared shirts and sweaters were favored as a part of the preppy movement. The mid-1990s saw an anti-conformist rampage, predominately by teenagers, as seen by the rise of grunge looks. While some modeled fitted jeans and simple t-shirts, others wore loose jeans, flannel, and dark-colored accessories. Low-rise, high-rise, and Capri pants were very popular among young ladies. Doc Martens were very popular shoes during this time.
Female Hairstyles
Female hairstyles underwent a dramatic shift during the 1990s. At the beginning of the decade, long hair with short feathered bangs was a favorite look.
When the television program Friends became popular in the mid-1990s, actress Jennifer Aniston's short haircut became extremely popular. They style became known as "Rachel Hair," after the name of Aniston's character on the series.
Male Clothing
During the 1990s, denim jackets and tight-fitting pants gave way to new styles freshly inspired by the grunge and hip hop music scenes. Flannel shirts and darker colors were a favorite of young men during this era. Tattoos and piercings starting breaking the surface during this time as well, and baseball hats worn backwards soon followed. That being said, wearing a comfortable crew neck or a t-shirt with the logo of your favorite band paired with jeans was a fairly standard look throughout the decade.
Male Hairstyles
At the beginning of the decade, the "preppy" look held sway, although some young men still favored the long hairstyles inspired by 1980s metal bands.
Within a few short years, the popularity of grunge, American punk, and hip hop / rap music, dramatically influenced new and varied looks. The undercut was a popular style, stylized with excessive hair gel and a few strands of hair dangling in the face.
WSHS 1990s - The Arts
Arts at West Springfield included the band, orchestra, and theatre departments that were comprised of the creative minds at West Springfield. Similar to other decades, in the 1990s the theatre department put on numerous shows such as Winter One-Acts and Spring and Fall plays while band and orchestra held concerts that showcased their hard work, learning and rehearsing, classical and contemporary pieces. Additionally, student-led bands often performed at traditional events such as the annual Spaghetti Dinner (an event where students enjoyed bowls of spaghetti while socializing) and even in occasional talent shows. In specific to the 1990s, the arts department realized an expansion as another orchestra was created and the roster for band and theatre classes expanded as well. The expansion of arts at WSHS had indicated a rise in creative expression, which led to further expansion of the departments and made students feel heard and seen.
Band
Since West Springfield’s start, the band has an been integral part of the arts department as well as student life. As a part of the department, the various band ensembles at WSHS participated in regional, statewide, and national competitions winning titles that not only made students proud to be Spartans, but fueled the prominence and distinction of West Springfield High School’s Band. As part of student life, the band was the energy and fuel for those who played and attended football games.
The fast, upbeat percussion expressed the sentiments of victory and accomplishment after a close win. The less upbeat, but spirited, melodies of the clarinets expressed the solemn but hopeful attitudes of students after a loss. Either way, the band was integral to enhancing the roller coaster of emotions that players, coaches, and audience members would experience throughout the course of a game.
Orchestra
In the 1990s, the orchestra department at West Springfield saw an expansion from its one “String Ensemble” group to many as an increasing number of students enrolled in orchestra seeking an education in the violin, viola, cello, and/or double bass. As the classical voice of West Springfield, the orchestra department performed multiple concerts a year, showcasing their ability to play diverse styles of music within the classical genre. These styles included baroque, romantic, and impressionistic styles. At these concerts, students could be heard playing music from composers such as Bach, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Elgar, and more. All in all, the diverse rhythms, dynamics, keys, and styles in the music played by WSHS orchestras were a physical representation of the growing diversity of beliefs, values, and ideals represented at West Springfield.
Theatre
In the 1990s, the theatre sector of the arts departments continued to perform plays, one-acts, and improvisation scenes that evoked a variety of emotions within their audience.
The fall and spring plays were important events within the Springfield community. The theatre department was known for its high-production plays and quality actors. As the most dramatic of the three departments, the theatre department had the potential to portray a story and its characters in a way that was fiery and passionate, or gentle and awkward, striking an emotional chord within the audience.
WSHS 1990s - Student Life
Student Life at West Springfield in the 1990s was characterized by long-standing school traditions mixed with emerging trends in music, style, and technology. Throughout the decade, popular hangout spots included the nearby Bagel Bakery, Panera, and Denny’s Breakfast where, before and after school, students would eat, gossip, and share interests after major sporting events. Often times this gossip included drama that went down at traditional school events such as donkey basketball—a fundraiser in which students played basketball while, literally, riding a donkey. Additionally, music played at these hangout spots and events included a wide array of contemporary music genres, such as grunge, alternative, R&B, and rap.
Technology
The relevance of technology and popular devices at West Springfield reflected that which was relevant and popular in the United States. In the early 1990s, with the internet becoming available for widespread consumer use, students at WSHS could be seen using AltaVista, Netscape, and Yahoo to perform research for their classes on one of the few available Macintoshes.
Additionally with the popularization of the beeper, students at WSHS could be heard saying, “beep me,” to their friends on their way out from class or on their way out from school. In the mid-90s, students learning trigonometry and calculus could be seen using TI-80 graphing calculators to do their work. By the end of the decade, more and more students had access to cellular telephones. All in all, new technologies not only impacted the everyday life of people around the world, but greatly affected the everyday interactions, reactions, and attitudes at West Springfield High School.
Feeling Faint
The first renovations to West Springfield High School began construction in the late 1980s and were completed in the early 1990s. In 1991, during construction, there were numerous accounts of WSHS students fainting at school. The rash of fainting spells quickly became an infamous phenomena across Northern Virginia, garnering significant media attention.
"Shannon Nash, a 14-year-old freshman, said she wasn't all that scared about the problem until she walked out of a first-period class yesterday and saw a girl lying on the floor. Then, after second period, she walked up to her locker, felt woozy and collapsed into the arms of her friend, Kisharn Quartermain. "I was looking across the room and my eyes got blurry and I couldn't see much," she recalled after spending 40 minutes in the clinic. "People were yelling at me, but I couldn't really hear them... I was scared 'cause I didn't know what was going on.""
~ The Washington Post, April 27, 1991
Specialists conducted air sample tests around the building, checked the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, and tested for potential fumes from newly installed carpeting, only to discover—nothing at all. Though a conclusion as to the cause of the fainting spells was never definitively reached, their occurrence during construction led many people to attribute the cause to the renovations.
"I was a teacher there at the time. I was given a temporary assignment to visually monitor the situation and supposed fainting spells. My son was a sophomore in the school at the time. I had no concern for his health and safety. No faculty member ever fainted and the faculty did not believe there was a problem. Only one male student reported fainting; that was when he was discovered sleeping under a tree while cutting class. Another occurred when a surprise quiz was announced in class. In fairness, students were at the mercy of newspaper sensationalism and rumor for information."
~ John Reid
Despite these events, the renovations were completed, resulting in a new, beautiful school campus.
Homecoming
With the first homecoming occurring in the fall of West Springfield High School’s grand opening and being a huge hit, the excitement and extreme preparation surrounding homecoming was consistent throughout the 1990s. Choosing a theme was a huge part of preparing for each year’s Homecoming. Ranging from themes based on The Great Gatsby to Through the Looking Glass, different graduating classes made floats for their Homecoming parade, voted for members of the coveted-after Homecoming court, and thoroughly searched Kings Park Mall in hopes of finding an appropriate dress or suit.
WSHS 1990s - The Oracle
The Oracle at West Springfield High school was a way in which WSHS students were able to keep up-to-date with news, events, and read others’ opinions on various issues of the decade. Additionally, it was an outlet for journalism students to express their beliefs and gain experience in journalistic writing. Furthermore,The Oracle was a collaborative project by nature as it was student-written, teacher-approved, and whose content drew from all WSHS students, often including student poll and survey results. In the 1990s specifically, The Oracle was often considered controversial, but the passionate student-written op-eds and coupons to the hottest restaurants and hangouts made the 75 cents necessary to purchase an issue worth it.
Open Conversations
The Oracle was famously known for its discussion of very progressive topics such as drugs, sex, religion, and politics. These topics were often addressed through student-written op-eds and polls and could include very direct, harsh by some standards, arguments in favor or against various current issues and/or beliefs. Though the inclusion of these controversial polls and op-eds meant the potential to cause division among students, discussion of controversial topics often led to healthy dialogue between opposing sides that ended in respect for the opposition as well as an open mind, further enriching education at WSHS.
Surveys and Polls
Surveys and polls were a fun way to include student opinions within The Oracle that were a little more interactive and inclusive than traditional op-ed pieces. Additionally, they were a great way for students to glean an understanding about the general opinions and biases of the West Springfield High School student body. Overall, surveying and polling was what made The Oracle feel a little bit more collaborative among the student body.
Sponsors / Businesses
Right when students thought they reached the end of the newest issue of The Oracle they would be bombarded by of series of ads, coupons, and promotions for different local businesses that sponsored it. These ads were pertinent to student life as ads for driving schools, hair salons, photography studios, SAT prep, tutoring and local restaurants appear numerous times throughout each issue. They were, and still are, a great way for students at West Springfield to find local businesses that could fulfill their personal and academic needs.
Athletics History and Hall of Fame
West Springfield High School has participated in a wide variety of sports since the founding of our school. Major rivals have traditionally been Lake Braddock High School and Lewis (formerly Lee) High School. Top ranked West Springfield High School athletic programs include our boys and girls soccer teams, girls basketball team, girls softball team, boys baseball team, and boys and girls cross country teams.
Alumni of note include Jeremy Kapinos (punter for the Pittsburgh Steelers), James Dexter (former NFL offensive lineman with the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals), Ryan Speier (Baseball pitcher for the Washington Nationals), Joe Saunders (Baseball pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles), and Jeff Carroll who played for D.C. United.
Explore the accomplishments of some of our Hall of Fame stars.
Local History
Stories and Legends of the West Springfield Area
Although the West Springfield area was not home to famous historic figures like George Washington and George Mason, or the site of Civil War battles like Chantilly and Dranesville, it might seem on first glance that our area doesn’t have much history. However, if you look a little deeper, you will find people, stories, and events that we feel are every bit as rich with history. We invite you to explore the discoveries we have made by using the links below. As the process of digging deeper into our area’s past is still an ongoing one, check back in future as we will be adding new content as new discoveries are made.
Local History: The Barker Family
Farmers, Millers, and Slaveholders
Well before the creation of housing subdivisions and shopping centers, the West Springfield area, and in particular the property where West Springfield High School stands today, was owned by the Barker family. In 1741, William Barker was granted 287 acres of land along Pohick Run by Thomas, the 6th Lord Fairfax. In 1793, William sold a portion of this land to his grandson Presley Barker. Presley Barker acquired additional property in the 1830s, including the present day site of West Springfield High School. This land was formerly part of Ravensworth, a large plantation owned by the Fitzhugh family.
Ravensworth was the largest colonial land grant in Fairfax County, encompassing 24,112 acres! The property outline has been superimposed on the 1878 G.M. Hopkins Atlas of Fairfax County. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.
A Home in Hidden Pond
Did you know that the Barker family home and cemetery were once located in the vicinity of Hidden Pond Nature Center? This photograph of the house is believed to have been taken around the year 1960.
The Estate of Presley Barker
In 1856, Presley Barker passed away leaving behind a widow and two children, and his estate was divided among his heirs.
This map, courtesy of the Fairfax County Circuit Court Historic Records Centers, shows parcels going to Presley Barker’s widow Charlotte, and to his children Ulam W. Barker and Willie M. Barker.
The West Springfield High School site passed to his widow Charlotte, then to their son Ulam, who further divided and sold his inheritance during the 1860s and 1880s.
Presley Barker’s Last Will and Testament and an inventory of his estate were recorded at the Fairfax County Circuit Court. These documents offer a fascinating glimpse into life on the Barker family’s farm. The first notations on the inventory are slaves. Barker held 16 enslaved individuals; 7 of whom were male, and 9 female. The oldest was Sally, age 56, and the youngest was an unnamed newborn infant of Hannah, age 29. Half of the slaves were children under the age of 12. A monetary value was assigned to each person, and four men: Charles, John, Peter and Henry were assigned a value of $1,000 each. Sally was assigned a value of $100. From the inventory we also learn that the Barkers raised livestock (horses, cows, geese, and pigs), and farmed corn, wheat and oats.
West Springfield High School Land Ownership
This chain of land title research was conducted by West Springfield Applied History students Christina Turner and Omar Abdel, Class of 2016.
1741: Land Grant to William Barker
On October 26, 1741, Thomas the 6th Lord Fairfax, Baron of Cameron, Proprietor of the Northern Neck of Virginia, grants to William Barker (Sr.), 287 acres of land in Prince William County (later part of Fairfax County) on the north east side of the North Main Branch of Pohick adjoining the land of Fitzhugh, Melton, etc. (Northern Neck of Virginia Land Grants, Library of Virginia)
1793: William Barker to William Barker, Jr.
On April 15, 1793, William Barker and Mary his wife to William Barker, Jr. of the 2nd part and Presley Barker, son of the said William Barker, Jr. of the 3rd part; for 33 pounds sterling, William Barker, Sr. sells to Presley Barker 100 acres of land in Fairfax County along Grafton Kirk's cool spring branch where it empties into Pohick Run, then up the run to the said William Barker then along an run, then along his line to Ravensworth. This was part of a larger tract of 287 acres of land granted to William Barker by the Proprietor's Office. (Fairfax County Deed Book Y-1:111)
1797: William Barker, Sr. to Leonard Barker
On July 31, 1797, William Barker transfers to his son Leonard the land granted to William from the Proprietor's Office on Oct. 26, 1741; described as 187 acres of land in the line of Ravensworth and Pohick Run, then to the line dividing the part granted to Presley Barker, grandson to the said William Barker by deed on April 15, 1793. (FXDB A-2:101)
1800: The Last Will and Testament of William Barker (Sr.)
The will of William Barker (Sr.) was written on March 9, 1795 and proved in court on January 21, 1800. He devises land and slaves to several heirs: To son Leonard Barker the land where he now lives bounded by the land of William Barker, Jr. and my spring branch. To daughters Barbary Barker and Nancy Barker the use of the land where William lives while they are single, then it passes to son Leonard Barker. A slave named Fairfax is devised to Aaron Barker and his heirs. He also names grandchildren John Harrison Barker and Nancy Barker. They were the children of William's daughter Nancy Barker who married Josiah Barker. He also devises to son William Barker, Jr., daughter Sarah Gray, daughter Mary Smithiman, daughter Anna Devers, daughter Elizabeth, deceased, to her unnamed heirs, son Moses Barker, deceased, to his unnamed heirs, and to son John Barker, deceased, to his unnamed heirs. (Will Book H-1:83)
1819: The Last Will and Testament of William Barker (Jr.)
The will of William Barker, Jr. was written on March 3, 1818, and was proved in court on Oct. 18, 1819. He devised to wife Eleanor Barker the four slaves Jacob, Moses, Patience and Susan. He also named heirs: daughter Cynthia Gray, who was living in South Carolina; daughter Violett Simpson, wife of William Simpson; daughter Elizabeth Simpson, wife of Thomas Simpson; son Presley Barker, to whom he devised a slave named Ann after his mother's death; son Dennis Barker, to whom he devised a slave named Moses after his mother's death; and daughter Unice Barker, to whom he devised the slaves Jacob and Patience after her mother's death; son William Barker; daughter Eleanor Barker, wife of John Harrison Barker; and grandson Presley Barker, son of Eleanor, to whom he devises a slave named Susan after his wife's death. (FXWB L-1:374)
1820: Land Sale to Presley Barker
On October 1, 1820, William Henry Fitzhugh and Anna Maria his wife of Ravensworth, Fairfax County, sell to Presley Barker of the town of Alexandria, Washington, D.C.; for $4,100; 410 acres, a part of the Ravensworth tract, bounded by Rolling Road and the lands of Presley Barker and others. (FXDB S-2:293)
1838: Land sale to Presley Barker
On March 19, 1838, Silas Burke, trustee, of Fairfax County, sells to Presley Barker of same; for $1,654; 174.5 acres of land on Pohick Run along the line of James Burke, deceased, to a corner with James Keene's heirs and William Keene, then along a road (Old Keene Mill Road) and the south side of Pohick Run. (FXDB D-3:509)
1838: Land sale from Presley Barker to Sutherland
On March 15, 1836 Presley Barker and one Archibald Hall, now deceased, purchased land from Silas Burke, administrator of the estate of James Keene, deceased, among which was a grist mill and a saw mill (the Keene Mill of Old Keen Mill Road on Pohick Run), and 4 acres of land. Presley Barker and Bernard Hooe convey the mills and the 4 acres to William and John Sutherland on March 20, 1838. (FXDB D-3:539)
1838: Division of the Estate of Leonard Barker
Henry Stephens and wife (Sybilla Stephens) versus John M. Wilson, trustee for Sybilla or Sibby Stephens' children and others; Recorded March, 1838. The land was divided among the heirs of Leonard Barker. Parcel 1: 86 acres to Henry Stephens and Sybilla his wife. Parcel 2: 116 acres to Catherine Baker in her own right. Parcel 3: 30 acres to John M. Wilson, trustee for the minor children of Sybilla Stephens. Total is around 233 acres (with poles added). The deed record includes a very detailed plat drawing showing the locations of homes and streams on it. One home was in present day Hidden Pond Nature Center area. (FXDB E-3:394)
1856: The Last Will and Testament of Presley Barker
Presley's wife was named Charlotte and they had three children: Ulam W. Barker, Willie M. Barker, and Eliza C. Barker. His will was written on April 5, 1856. The inventory of his estate begins on page 202. (FXWB Y-1:193 & 202)
1857: Division of the Estate of Presley Barker
Records the division of Presley Barker’s estate, including his land and slaves. A plat showing the outline of the divided land is recorded, with parcels going to his widow Charlotte, and to children Ulam W. Barker and Willie M. Barker. (FXDB Z-3:60)
1860: Fairfax County Landowners Map
Shows owners of Presley Barker's land after the division of his estate as Charlotte Barker with 158 acres, Ulam Barker with 312 acres, and Willie Barker with a 165 acre parcel and a 35 acre parcel. Total is 670 acres. (On file at the Fairfax County Circuit Court Historic Records Center)
1861-1864
Ulam W. Barker begins selling land that was formerly Presley Barker's. See: FXDB J-4:218 (Sale of 312 acres), and FXDB J-4:502 (Memo of Real Estate of Ulam Barker sold to Otis Bigelow).
1888: Land sold to Otis Bigelow
September 24, 1888, R. W. Moore, Commissioner, to Otis Bigelow. Commissioner's sale of the land of Ulam W. Barker, containing two tracts: 312 acres and 79 acres. (FXDB H-5:197)
1933: FXDB G-11, page 26, Armstrong to Schwartz
See: FXDB G-11:26, Schwartz's deed states the property had previously been conveyed to Meylert M. Armstrong by Otis Bigelow and his wife on March 3, 1908.
1908: FXDB Y-6, page 689, Bigelow to Armstrong
See: FXDB Y-6:689
1933: FXDB G-11, page 156, Schwartz to Schwartz
January 3, 1933, Abraham Schwartz to and I. Henry Schwartz to Morris Schwartz, 269.612 acres of land (FXDB G-11:156)
1938: Schwartz to Schwartz (Fairfax Park)
The Fairfax Park subdivision was formed on 269.612 acres acquired by Dora Schwartz from Morris S. Schwartz on April 26, 1938. (FXDB Y-12:534)
1946: Simms and Fairfax Park
From William L. Simms and Velma B. Simms, Lot 5 of Unit 1 of the Fairfax Park subdivision; 2.5 acres they purchased on January 28, 1946. The deed references the Fairfax Park Deed of Dedication in FXDB Y-12. (FXDB 478:74)
1946: Smith to Smith
James Clifford Smith and Carmen E. Smith sell to Parke Clifford Smith and his wife part of Lot 5 of the Fairfax Park subdivision on Aug. 8, 1946. They purchased the property from Lillian L. Simms who acquired it from William and Velma Simms. (FXDB 502:65)
1949: Smith to Wells
Parke Clifford Smith and wife sell to Joel and Georgia Wells 0.833 acres of land in the Fairfax Park subdivision on Feb. 5, 1949. The deed has a plat showing 6 lots. The neighborhood was bounded by Tuttle Road. (FXDB 673:516)
1964: Wells to Fairfax County School Board
Fairfax County Deed Book 23728:970 references several deeds where small parcels of land were transferred to the Fairfax County School Board. The earliest of these deeds was recorded on November 17, 1964, when Joel M. Wells and Georgia H. Wells sell 0.833 acres to the Fairfax County School Board. (FXDB 2549:147)
Untold Stories
From various record sources, we learned that the Barker family were slaveholders. Continue reading to learn about some of these enslaved individuals; their names, their stories, and the hardship and toil of their daily lives.
Giving a voice to those who had none...
In the 1700s, the West Springfield High School property was a part of a large plantation owned by the Fitzhugh family called Ravensworth. In the 1820s and 30s, Presley Barker, who owned a small farm in our area, purchased a portion of the Ravensworth estate, including the future site of our school. Both the Fitzhugh and the Barker families were slaveholders, and West Springfield’s Applied History students have been working to document the lives of the enslaved individuals who lived on or near our school property. The goal of this work is to preserve their memory and share their story, a story heretofore untold.
After Presley Barker passed away in 1856, the Fairfax County Circuit Court ordered an appraisal of his real and personal property. The preceding list is a portion of Barker’s estate inventory. It lists the names, ages, and value in dollars of the enslaved individuals held by Barker. The purpose of the inventory was to define an accurate value for each person so that these individuals, as property, could be divided equally among the heirs of Presley Barker.
Daily Life of Slaves
The quality of life of a slave varied whether one was enslaved on a large tobacco plantation, a small family farm, or a fast-paced urban environment. Slaves in Fairfax County, including the Barker slaves, could have been exposed to all three ways of life.
Life on a Small Farm
For slaves working on small farms, the work was a little less tedious than tobacco cultivation, but no less demanding. In addition to caring for livestock and general farming, slaves could be expected to do household tasks such as cooking and cleaning.
Slaves on small farms often slept in the kitchen or an outbuilding, and sometimes in small cabins near the farmer’s house.
Because the small farmer owned only a few slaves, it was hard for slaves on these farms to find wives and husbands. Some had family on nearby farms, and, on occasion, their masters allowed them to visit with one another.
Life on a Plantation
Generally, slaves on plantations lived in complete family units, their work dictated by the rising and setting of the sun, and they generally had Sundays off.
Plantation slaves were more likely to be sold or transferred than those in a domestic setting.
On larger plantations where there were many slaves, they usually lived in small cabins in a slave quarter, far from the master’s house but under the watchful eye of an overseer.
Life in Towns and Cities
Slaves in urban environments had more mobility because they weren’t tied to an agricultural calendar, so they had a different rhythm of work. Job tasks ranged from butlers and carriage drivers, to cooks, dock workers, and more. Also, skilled male slaves often worked alongside whites.
Slaves usually lived separate from their owners; there were even communities on the outskirts of cities where free and enslaved people of color lived side-by-side.
Some cities and even churches owned slaves; these slaves would do all kinds of infrastructure work such as making sure the roads were smooth or making repairs to buildings.
An example of this is Savannah, Georgia where the companies in the timber and brick industries held a large number of slaves.
Things in Common
Slaves on small farms and plantations were busy year-round caring for crops and livestock, often working from sunrise to sunset. Slaves on plantations and in urban settings were more likely to be skilled in a specific trade. However, no matter what setting in which they worked, slaves could be subjected to brutal and severe punishments.
Slaves could be rented out by their masters and passes were required to travel everywhere. Slaves travelling the Underground Railroad to freedom often used forged documents when travelling, and were guided by spirituals, songs with specific meanings hidden in the lyrics that might direct a slave where to travel, how to avoid detection, and whether or not a place was safe to approach.
In was common for enslaved families to be split apart because the individuals, as property, could be bought, sold, or bequeathed to an heir. In northern slave-holding states, chronically disobedient slaves were sold to cotton and sugar cane plantations in far-away states like Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.
By Comparison
Enslaved individuals were often highly skilled laborers and many of the jobs they did 150 years ago correspond with modern careers or branches of study we learn in high school.
Blacksmith: chemistry, geometry
Carpenters: arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus and statistics
Tanner: chemistry
Coopers and Smiths: woodworkers and metalworkers
Cordwainer: shoe designers and manufacturers
Weaver, Spinner, and Quilter: artists, clothing designers and manufacturers
As we examine the inventory of the property owned by Presley Barker in closer detail, we can begin to make some educated guesses about what life may have been like for the Barker slaves. The first thing one notices is that each person is assigned a monetary value. The values correspond with age and gender. The men between the ages of 20 and 27 had the most value because they were young and able bodied. Sally, at age 56, was possibly in ill-health and may have no longer been able to bear children so her monetary value was the lowest of all. Any children born to the female slaves, including Hannah's unnamed child, would have become property of the Barker family.
Slave Inventory
Charles, age 27, value $1000
John, age 20, value $1000
Peter, age 25, value $1000
Henry, age 25, value $1000
Hannah & Child, age 29, value $900
Louisa, age 22, value $800
Harriet, age 38, value $800
Daniel, age 11, value $500
Ann, age 9, value $300
Laura, age 9, value $300
Sandy, age 6, value $250
Sealy (Celia), age 7, value $200
Bill, age 4, value $200
Cora, age 4, value $150
Sally, age 56, value $100
Presley Barker’s estate inventory also recorded that he owned a house in Alexandria on Queen Street and several types of livestock, farming implements, and household items. From this, we can infer that the Barker slaves raised cows, sheep, pigs, chickens, geese, and horses. They also planted and harvested potatoes, turnips, cabbage, wheat, oats, corn, and beans. The presence of a hogshead in the inventory (a very large barrel used to haul tobacco to market), was probably a holdover from an earlier time when tobacco was the principal farm crop. There are indications that one or more of the men worked as blacksmiths and wagon drivers. The presence of a milk house and meat house shows evidence of dairy and meat preparation for home use and perhaps for sale as well. Some of the women likely worked as house slaves at the home in Alexandria.
The Division
Presley Barker’s heirs at the time of death were his widow, Charlotte, and their two children, Ulam and Willie. The slaves and land owned by Barker was divided between each of the heirs. Henry, Peter, Harriet, and Laura became the property of Charlotte Barker. John, Hannah and her unnamed child, Ann, Cora, and Sandy became the property of Willie Barker. Ulam Barker inherited Charles, Daniel, Celia (Sealy), Bill, and Louisa. It is unknown at this time whether or not they were divided by family groups.
What’s in a Name?
Have you ever wondered about the origin of the name Springfield for our community? Find out in this video produced for Fairfax County Public Schools’ cable television channel Red Apple 21.
West Springfield High School was built in 1966, well before the creation of housing subdivisions and shopping centers. The West Springfield area was home to a vibrant community made up of people who were passionate about the education of their children. In 1874, the heirs of Thomas Hall donated land along Hooes Road close to the present-day intersection of Rolling Road and the Fairfax County Parkway for a public school house. The one-room school was named at various times the Pohick school and the Barkers Crossroads School. In 1897, the school building was in disrepair and the Lee District School Board voted to build a new school nearby. The new school, also named Pohick, was destroyed by fire in 1928. A short time later, a second schoolhouse was built on the same site. It was named the Sydenstricker school after nearby Sydenstricker Church. The Barker family who lent their name to the Barker's Crossroads community and the first schoolhouse has a long history in the area. In 1741, William Barker was granted 287 acres of land along Pohick Creek by Thomas the sixth Lord Fairfax. In 1793, William sold a portion of this land to his grandson, Presley Barker. Presley acquired additional property in the 1830s including the present-day West Springfield High School site. This land was formerly part of Ravensworth, a large plantation owned by the Fitzhugh family. In 1856, Presley Barker passed away, leaving behind a widow and two children. Presley's will and the inventory of his estate offer a fascinating glimpse into life on the Barker family farm. The first notations on the inventory are slaves. Barker held 16 enslaved individuals, seven of whom were male and nine female. The oldest was Sally, age 56 and the youngest was an unnamed newborn infant of Hannah, age 29. Half of the slaves were children under the age of twelve. A monetary value was assigned to each person and four men: Charles, John, Peter, and Henry, were assigned a value of $1,000 each. Sally was assigned a value of $100. From the inventory we also learned that the Barkers raised livestock: horses, cows, geese, pigs, and goats and farmed corn, wheat, and oats. Following his death, Presley Barker's estate was divided among his heirs. The West Springfield high school site passed to his widow Charlotte and their son Paloma who further divided and sold their inheritance during the 1860s. Some 70 years later, post-World War II rapid population growth accelerated suburban development of the Springfield area. The name Springfield can be traced back to a farm on Back Lick Road owned by Henry Dangerfield who lived contemporaneously with Presley Barker. As development of the Springfield area moved westward, the name West Springfield was chosen by developers for the burgeoning community. This community would soon make history of its own with the opening of West Springfield High School.