FairfaxEstablished 1881
The town of Fairfax was incorporated on November 9, 1881. It was one of three towns that developed in Atchison County upon the completion of the Tarkio Valley Railroad. An article in the Fairfax Independent from February 1892 describes the community as follows: “Only nine short months have come and gone, since upon the ground where the village of Fairfax is located, a field of corn was standing. Less that one year has passed away since the first board was brought to Fairfax, since the first nail was driven. Fairfax is located on the Tarkio Valley Railroad, just midway between Corning and Tarkio, about thirteen miles from Rock Port, the county seat. The town is situated upon the east bank of the Tarkio River, a beautiful little stream flowing into the “Mighty Missouri” and on to the sea.” The railroad that was so instrumental in the growth of Fairfax, was later purchased by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. By the 1920’s passenger trains and freight trains passed through Fairfax daily. Great quantities of grain and livestock were shipped from Fairfax in addition to the merchandise that was received. The first school in Fairfax was built in 1882 on the present site. As community growth continued, so did the school. In 1896 a new brick building was erected with a $10,000 bond. Fairfax has a modern water treatment plant, a volunteer fire department, a park in the center of town, as well as a six acre recreation center north of town. The community maintains a steady population, supports a variety of modern and prosperous businesses and continues to work with pride in its numerous social and civic organizations. The history of Fairfax lives on in the descendants of the founding families and others who have joined Fairfax from all walks of life. (Historic pictures of Fairfax are needed. Please contact ACDC if you have any available.)
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