Author Archive for: pvaselop

Entries by Peter Vaselopulos

Metro Map 1968

This map was created by Metro in 1968, showcasing not only the initial rail lines that were planned, but also future extensions—including one to Dulles Airport.

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Department of Interior 1944 Map

Similar to the 1932 map, the 1944 map was created by the U.S. Department of the Interior and shows the transition of Arlington from a rural community to a more urbanized center.

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Urban Growth Map

It was created by the Federal Department of the Interior. Compared to earlier maps, this one shows more urbanization and less open space or farmland in Arlington County.

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Arlington 1920

This was one of the first maps to include Arlington County as its own entity. Note that while there are pockets of urbanization in the north and south—near the city of Alexandria—most of the Arlington area is rural.

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Map of Alexandria County

This map was created in 1900, when Arlington was still part of Alexandria County. It shows how Arlington’s rural character persisted into the 20th century and highlights that, for most of its history, it was not a single community but a collection of farms and small towns.

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Civil War Defenses of Washington 1865

The map was created in 1865, around the end of the Civil War. The map shows the 68 forts that surrounded Washington D.C., that were built to protect it from Confederate attack.

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Seat of War Map

Because of Virginia’s neutrality during the early phases of the secession crisis, Federal leadership had avoided sending cartographers into Arlington and Alexandria so as not to give the appearance of a pretext to war and invasion. Virgil P. Corbett (1827–1875), a local farmer, lawyer, politician, inventor, and businessman who called Arlington home, saw an opportunity to create a map for the government.

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Membership Drive

We appreciate having you as a member of AHS! Your support and loyalty empower us to build knowledge of Arlington’s diverse history in our community. This year, your dues helped us renovate and create a new permanent exhibit at the AHS Museum, keep our two museums and monthly lecture series free, and upgrade our website.

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