On This Day

The Palais Royal

October 17, 2024

On this day in Arlington history: October 17, 1916: The Washington Herald had a multi-page advertisement from the Palais Royal Department Store in DC that invited residents of (what would be called) Arlington and northern Virginia to shop in DC.

British War Relief

October 16, 2024

On this day, October 16, 1941, St. Thomas More Church held a children’s fashion show to benefit British war relief with non-military aid such as food, clothes, and medical supplies. Many other organizations in Arlington also held events to benefit the British people.

National Historic Preservation Act

October 15, 2024

On this day in Arlington history: October 15, 1966, the National Historic Preservation Act was enacted to preserve historical and archaeological sites in the US.

Air Force Memorial

October 14, 2024

On October 14, 2006, President George W. Bush dedicated the new US Air Force Memorial in Arlington during a ceremony on a promontory next to Arlington National Cemetery.

Arlington County Dairy

October 12, 2024

On October 12, 1945, The Arlington Sun reported that the Marcey brothers had sold the Arlington County Dairy in “one of the largest business property deals in many years in Arlington.”

Keep ‘Em Rolling

October 11, 2024

On October 11, 1933, the Washington Evening Star reported that Walter Huston would arrive to begin filming a movie at Fort Myer. The movie “Keep ‘Em Rolling” would be released in 1934. It was filmed at Fort Myer with the 16th Field Artillery and the 3rd Cavalry regiment riding in an action background.

Old Court House

October 10, 2024

On October 10, 1896, a deed was recorded providing land for the first Alexandria County courthouse separate from Alexandria City.

How AHS got the Ball-Sellers House

October 9, 2024

When her Uncle Will died in 1969 and left her the house, Marian didn’t need or want to live in it. In 1975 she donated the house—the oldest house in Arlington—to the Arlington Historical Society.

Mt. Vernon Memorial Highway

October 8, 2024

In the 1880s, officials in Alexandria – county and city - wanted to boost local commerce and began advocating for a "national road" to Mt. Vernon. The US Army Corps of Engineers conducted a survey and agreed that a road to Mt. Vernon was a good idea.