Virgil P. Corbett (1827 – 1875) was a farmer, lawyer, politician, inventor, and businessman who called Arlington his home during the years before and after the Civil War. Originally from New York, Corbett is perhaps best known for creating some of the first maps of what we now call Arlington County and its surrounding areas during the Civil War, including Sketch of the Seat of War in Alexandria & Fairfax Counties (1861) and his Map of the Seat of War Showing the Battles of July 18th and 21st, 1861 (1861).
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Nimrod Burke (circa 1836–1914) was a Black soldier, scout, and patriot who fought for the United States Army during the Civil War. Born in Prince William County Virginia, Burke escaped to Ohio, where he built a life as a free man. He worked as a handyman under Marietta, Ohio, attorney and abolitionist Melvin Clarke.
This exhibit highlights Upton’s Hill history as a prime example of the many layers of Arlington’s past. Upton’s Hill was a homestead and farm, a major logistics hub and defensive fort during the Civil War, a weekend country getaway for Washington’s elite, and a real estate developer’s delight. The following virtual exhibit was displayed at the Arlington Historical Museum from July to November 2021.
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Peter Vaselopulos2025-04-17 09:50:502025-04-17 16:29:18Virgil P. Corbett
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arlingtonhist2025-02-20 08:41:482025-04-17 16:25:33Nimrod Burke
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arlingtonhist2024-07-28 20:20:432025-04-17 16:22:32The History of Upton’s Hill