Freedman’s Village

December 4, 2024

On this day in Arlington history: December 4, 1863. Freedman's Village is dedicated.

On this day in Arlington history: December 3, 1943, the “Arlington Sun” newspaper reported that 22 students graduated from the aircraft recognition school conducted by the Arlington observation post of the Aircraft Warning Service (AWS). Their accomplishment was celebrated with a certificate and a banquet at the Army-Navy Country Club. The class had 11 women and 11 men.

The Alexandria Canal

December 1, 2024

On this day in Arlington history, December 1, 1843 The Alexandria Canal, which connected the Alexandria seaport to what is now the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, opened to traffic and linked to the Potomac River.

Monte Carlo

November 30, 2024

On this day in Arlington history, November 30, 1893: Monte Carlo, the notorious gambling house at Jackson City at the Virginia end of the Long Bridge, went up in flames.

The Arlington Experimental Farm

November 29, 2024

On this day in Arlington history, November 29, 1940: All official activity ends at the Arlington Experimental Farm. The Arlington Experimental Farm, located on a portion of the Arlington estate close to the Potomac River, had been the main research facility for the US Department of Agriculture in the Washington area since 1900.

Quarters 1, Fort Myer

November 28, 2024

On this day in Arlington history, November 28, 1972: Quarters 1, Fort Myer is named to the National Register of Historic Places.

John Parke Custis

November 27, 2024

On this day in Arlington history, November 27, 1754, John Parke Custis is born. He was a Virginia planter, the son of Martha Washington and stepson of George Washington. He bought Abingdon plantation in what was then Fairfax County (now Arlington County) and settled there in 1778 with his wife, Eleanor Calvert, granddaughter of Charles Calvert, 5th Baron Baltimore.

Thanksgiving Day

November 26, 2024

On This Day in Arlington (and US) History, November 26, 1941 President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the modern Thanksgiving holiday by signing a bill officially establishing the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day.

James Elwood Donaldson

November 25, 2024

On this day in Arlington history, November 25, 1884 James Elwood Donaldson was born. This Donaldson was a fifth generation descendant of ensign John Ball who fought in the Revolutionary War and whose father was Moses Ball (a very early settler of Arlington’s Glencarlyn neighborhood).

A Raid by Prohibition Officers

November 24, 2024

On this day in Arlington history, November 24, 1921, the Washington Times reports that a raid by prohibition officers has spurred threats from Arlington’s “back country” men.

On This Day

Freedman’s Village

Aircraft Warning Service

The Alexandria Canal

Monte Carlo

The Arlington Experimental Farm

Quarters 1, Fort Myer

John Parke Custis

Thanksgiving Day

James Elwood Donaldson

A Raid by Prohibition Officers

Annual AHS Member Meeting

Early Days of the Civil War Defenses of Washington: From Fort Sumter to First Bull Run

George Washington’s Forest Guided Walking Tour

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