AHS 2025 Annual Banquet

The Arlington Historical Society hosted a SOLD-OUT banquet on the evening of October 14th at the historic Army-Navy Club.  The banquet's theme was "Telling America's Story."

Columbia Pike Exhibit Turns the Lens on Vibrant Northern Virginia Region

The Library of Virginia’s current exhibition, Columbia Pike: Through the Lens of Community, highlights the vibrant and diverse community of Columbia Pike in Arlington County. For more than two hundred years, Columbia Pike has connected northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Skirmish at Arlington Mill

Just after midnight on June 2, 1861, a Confederate scouting party attacked a Union outpost at Arlington Mill on Columbia Pike. The 1st Michigan Volunteer Infantry was guarding the mill.

America’s First All-Women Swing Band Lived in Arlington

In the first half of the 20th century, only a handful of women were able to make it as successful musicians. This precedent was upturned by the International Sweethearts of Rhythm.

ABC

ABC members pushed for reforms like a county manager form of government, increased transparency, and fairer budgeting. They also promoted civic engagement and encouraged qualified candidates to run for office—often challenging the long-standing political machine.

Family Tea House

Today Chinese restaurants are very common in Arlington county. But what is considered the “first” Chinese restaurant in Arlington county? Early 1950s newspapers and ads reference a Family Tea House in Cherrydale, established by Jim Wing and his family. Newspapers called the Family Tea House a “landmark” and the first Chinese restaurant in the county.

Columbia Pike: Communities of the Pike From Past to Present

For more than two centuries, Columbia Pike has been home to communities that reflect Arlington’s changing character. What began as scattered farms and toll houses has become one of the most diverse corridors in the Washington region.

Columbia Pike: Faces of the Pike

Since 2007, the Columbia Pike Documentary Project has been chronicling the people and places of one of Arlington’s most dynamic corridors. Photographer Lloyd Wolf set out to capture the Pike’s extraordinary diversity.

Columbia Pike: From Turnpike to Main Street

Long before Columbia Pike was paved for automobiles, the land was crossed by trails made by large game and later used by Native peoples. These routes followed the high ground, giving travelers a wide view of the landscape and a measure of safety.

Two Flags and One Hero

In the early days of the American Civil War (1861-1865), bravery did not always come from where one expected. Military ranks and West Point training did not always guarantee valor and prowess on the field of battle.

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The Arlington Historical Society relies solely on membership dues and donations to support the Arlington Historical Museum and Ball-Sellers House.

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The Arlington Historical Museum
1805 S Arlington Ridge Rd, Arlington, VA 22202
703-892-4204 ext. 800
Open Saturday 10 am-4 pm, Sunday 1-4 pm
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The Ball-Sellers House
5620 3rd St S, Arlington, VA 22204
703-892-4204 ext. 800
Open Saturday 1-4 pm, April-October
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E-mail us: info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org
Call us: 703-892-4204 ext. 800

Arlington Historical Society
P.O. Box 100402
Arlington, Virginia 22210-3402

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