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 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.
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.
In September 1925, six 2,000-gallon gasoline tanks exploded in Rosslyn, sending sheets of blazing fire in every direction — and two firefighters had to leap from an adjoining tank seconds before it blew. The blaze drew 10,000 spectators and took nearly two hours to bring under control.
Discover the fascinating history of Crystal House, Arlington Virginia’s recently constructed apartments in 1963. Our blog post explores an old advertisement, featuring a two-bedroom apartment for $175 per month, published on the same day as Kennedy’s assassination. Learn about the history of Crystal House and the unique connection it has to this tragic event.
Discover the history of Westmont Shopping Center in Arlington, VA, from its origins in 1940 to today. Learn about the intersection of Columbia Pike and Glebe Road, and the investment of $250,000 in the structure. Check out the drawing of the shopping center from the article!
“Remember how bad the Potomac River was in the 1970s? Back then, there was a warning posted telling people not to swim in it. Check out this sign from 1973 recommending you seek immediate medical attention after prolonged exposure.”
Take a look back in time with a 1960s advertisement for apartments in Arlington. The building still exists, and the rent is substantially higher than what’s listed in the ad. Click on the ad for a larger version.
