Empowering Our Community Through Knowledge and Action
West Ford--Founder and Father of Gum Springs
1784 -1863
West Ford, a freed slave and skilled carpenter, founded Gum Springs in 1833. He sold 160 acres to buy 214 acres, establishing the community we now know. To learn more about West Ford and his legacy, click on the button below to visit the West Ford Legacy Foundation (WFLF) website.
Welcome to the Gum Springs Homeowners Organization
GSHO is a new community-based organization in Gum Springs, striving to empower change and ensure quality of life. GSHO supports growth and progress and are Mount Vernon Council of Citizens Associations (MVCCA) members. GSHO is not connected to the New Gum Springs Civic Association (NGSCA).
GSHO empowers the community by giving owners a voice, providing valuable information, resolving issues, and actively participating in government processes related to planning, zoning, and environmental quality.
GSHO is a partner with the West Ford Legacy Foundation preserves and promotes the legacy of West Ford, founder of Gum Springs, VA, by promoting genealogy, education, and reconciliation, celebrating African American contributions. During Gum Springs' 190-year anniversary of its founding, West Ford was honored with a Virginia historical marker by the West Ford Legacy Foundation and GSHO.
FORDSON ROAD PARADE OF HISTORICAL MARKERS
Pride of Fairfax historical site
Events
8/6/2025
From Barriers to Ballots Opening Reception
5pm
-
6pm
Arlington Central Library
Event Details
8/6/2025
From Barriers to Ballots Opening Reception
In honor of the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, Arlington Public Library has collaborated with several community organizations t...
5pm
-
6pm
Arlington Central Library
Join the Gum Springs Homeowners Organization
Welcome to the Gum Springs Homeowners Organization! We are dedicated to fostering community engagement and promoting the rich history of the oldest African American community in Fairfax County through knowledge and collaboration. Together, we can make a difference!
Copyright © 2025 Gum Springs Homeowners Organization - All Rights Reserved.
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