Burke: Local History, Racing and Nearby Golf Options

The historic Burke Station marker is located on Old Burke Lake Road (Route 8249), 0.01 miles north of Burke Road (Route 652). It documents a raid by Confederate General J. E. B. Stuart in December 1862. The location of a roadside marker may change as a result of ordinary roadside changes. Another marker, “Burke’s Station Wood Choppers and Teamsters,” commemorates the contributions of African American woodcutters and teamsters during the Civil War. The perspectives differ: a raid on the one hand, and recognition of African American woodcutters and teamsters on the other.

Station and park: two historical paths

The history of the station leads back to the Orange & Alexandria Railroad. Burke donated land to the railroad, which named a station after him. The station was initially called “Burke’s Station,” and later briefly “Burke.” Burke Lake Park opened in 1963 on land the federal government had originally acquired for Burke International Airport. The two histories emphasize different things: the station names tell of a land donation to the railroad, while the park’s history tells of the site’s former intended use and its opening as a park.

Religious and community history

Lee Chapel was built in 1871 and served for many years as a center of worship and community life for numerous long-established families in Fairfax County. Lee Chapel Cemetery is located at the corner of Lee Chapel Road and Fairfax County Parkway. Little Zion Baptist Church was founded in 1891. The dates 1871 and 1891 mark different events: for Lee Chapel, its construction; for Little Zion Baptist Church, its founding.

Racing history

A Fairfax County historic marker was unveiled in 2016 at the former site of the Copperthite Race Track in Burke. The Copperthite Race Track opened on July 4, 1908. Its grandstand had room for 2,000 people. Horse, harness, motorcycle, and automobile races were held at the Copperthite Race Track. The two dates refer to different events: 1908 marks the opening of the racetrack, and 2016 the unveiling of the marker.

Bicycle and pedestrian connection

The Burke Centre VRE Connector Phase IV bicycle and pedestrian project was completed on March 20, 2022. It provides a connection for pedestrians and cyclists from Burke VRE Station to the residential areas west of Oak Leather Drive.

Golf in the area

There are two golf options in the Burke area, described in different ways. Burke Lake Golf Center is a lightly wooded 18-hole par-3 course for golfers of all skill levels. Burke Lake Mini Golf offers a wide selection of club sizes for players from age two through adulthood. For a direct comparison, the format is key: the Golf Center is an 18-hole par-3 course; the distinctive feature of the mini-golf is its club sizes for players from age two through adulthood. Mini-golf ticket policies and seasonal opening hours may change; check these details before your visit.

Explore more destinations: Reston, Lorton, Vienna, Centreville, Mclean, Herndon, Chantilly, Annandale

For the broader travel overview: Fairfax County.