Just across the Potomac from Washington, Arlington has its own history shaped by the Civil War, the growth of the Pentagon, and the transformation of Northern Virginia from farmland to one of the country’s most densely developed suburbs.
Take a look at this fascinating 18th century map of Arlington County and discover why it was named Arlington. Find out more about the history of the county with this interesting blog post!
A photo essay documents Lawyers’ Row, a stretch of commercial buildings in Arlington that has since been replaced by newer development.
Washington-Liberty High School was Washington-Lee until 2019. Alumni include Warren Beatty, Shirley MacLaine, and Sandra Bullock. Plus a 1916 photo mystery.
Late 19th-century Rosslyn was a vice district of saloons and gambling dens. The ravine known as Dead Man’s Hollow was its most dangerous corner of all.
Take a look at the evolution of Carlin Springs Subdivision in Alexandria, now Arlington County. See a map from 1890 and compare it to a map from today. Visit the Library of Congress to learn more.
The name “glebe” refers to land granted to a church. Glebe Road runs through what was once church-owned land in colonial Arlington.
A 1928 design proposal for a grand entryway at Key Bridge connecting Rosslyn to Georgetown, a project that was never constructed.
GoDCer Chris graciously shared an aerial photo of Washington from the 1940s. Compare and contrast it to the Google Map for a fascinating look into the past.
Check out this amazing photo of Rosslyn in 1965. We dug up this photo on Flickr and it was taken by Roger Wollstadt. Plus, don’t miss our post from earlier in the week about a giant fire and explosion that rocked and almost destroyed Rosslyn.
