Virginia, Winchester
Fairfax Square — Council designated the grounds of Rouss City Hall as “Fairfax Square” in 1899 to recognize the importance of Thomas, Sixth Lord Fairfax of Cameron who owned the land upon which Winchester was founded.
Cornerstone (facing Cameron Street) — Cornerstone laying was on May 15, 1900. A huge crowd witnessed the Programme of Exercises by the Winchester Hiram (Masonic) Lodge. Contents of cornerstone include: old bible found in the cornerstone of former Market House, Winchester Scripts and Virginia Bank Notes, photos of Sarah Zane Steamer (firefighting apparatus), silver, membership rolls, map of Mt. Hebron Cemetery and numerous vials containing specimens from Holy Land (as part of Masonic program).
Stage Entrance — City Hall housed a huge auditorium on the upper two levels originally. Stage props were raised from the lawn through these double doors accessing a freight elevator ("lift") to the stage. The back of the Stage was where the two arched windows are on this north wall.
Dr. Godfrey L. Miller Monument/Archway — This memorial was installed after Dr. Miller's death in 1920. Water fountains on each side of the archway were operational at one point.
Civil War Cannon — Captured Union cannon, forged at the Watervliet, NY arsenal. Previously, a WWI cannon (“Belgian Gun”) had been positioned in the SE corner of City Hall. It was scrapped in 1942 as part of the WWII metal recycling effort.
(Notable Events) Includes location, directions, 12 photos, GPS coordinates, map.