Lorton Virginia Map

About Lorton, Virginia

Lorton is a locality in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States. It has a population of 20,991. The population density is 1591.8 people per km². Lorton is located at 38.7043°N, 77.2278°W. It observes the Eastern Time (America/New_York) timezone. ZIP code: 22079.

Lorton, Virginia, rests on the western bank of the Potomac River, a place where the Piedmont's gentle slopes begin to yield to the flatter terrain closer to the Chesapeake Bay. It lies 2.3 miles south of Newington Forest, VA (from Newington Forest, VA: bearing 172°T), and is situated 6.5 miles northeast of Dale City. The air here often carries the damp, earthy scent of the surrounding woodlands, particularly after a rain, a subtle reminder of the region's historical connection to agriculture. Willow trees, their branches trailing like green hair, often line the small creeks that meander through Lorton's neighborhoods, their quiet movements mirroring the unhurried pace of life. The landscape, though shaped by modern development, still retains echoes of its wilder past, with patches of dense forest offering a verdant backdrop against the suburban sprawl. The history of Lorton is deeply intertwined with its agricultural roots, once a significant area for tobacco cultivation before the Civil War cast its long shadow. Later, the establishment of the Occoquan Workhouse, a correctional facility, marked a distinct chapter in Lorton's development, its imposing presence a stark contrast to the bucolic surroundings. Today, the local economy has largely shifted towards service industries and commuter-based employment, with residents often traveling to nearby urban centers for work. Yet, the legacy of farming lingers in the occasional farm stand or the names of streets that recall a bygone era of agrarian pursuits, a quiet testament to the land's enduring influence. Lorton’s cultural character is a thoughtful blend of suburban familiarity and a subtle nod to its historical context, a place where the courteous Old Dominion register still holds sway. The Workhouse Arts Center, a remarkable transformation of the former correctional facility, now stands as a vibrant hub for galleries, theaters, and studios, a beacon of creative repurposing and a notable landmark. Local events, such as farmers' markets and community festivals, foster a sense of neighborly connection, a gentle unfolding of shared experiences. While Lorton may not be home to globally recognized figures, its quietude allows for a deeper appreciation of everyday lives and the subtle rhythms that define this corner of Northern Virginia.

About This Lorton Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Lorton, Virginia — switch between views using the small square in the bottom left-hand corner of the map. Coordinates: 38.704282, -77.22776. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service, with current observations and a 7-day forecast also powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while a Wikipedia summary or an editorially written description provides background on Lorton and Fairfax County.

Detailed location data for Lorton includes the ZIP code (22079), telephone area code (571, 703), county seat of Fairfax County (Fairfax), and school district assignment (Fairfax County Public Schools). These are among the most commonly searched location details for any US city or town.

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct Lorton is identified even where the name is shared across multiple counties or states. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.