Ellen Bozman

In 1973, Ellen Bozman ran for the Arlington County Board under the slogan, “Let’s keep Arlington a good place to live…and make it better.” During her tenure from 1974 to 1997 as the longest-serving county board member to date, Bozman’s dedicated service and ingenuity fulfilled this goal. Her foresight and leadership guided Arlington as it transitioned from a suburban enclave to a bustling urban community, as she advocated for controlled development, instituting services for older people and children, and open government.

The Story of Smart Growth and the Metro

In the mid-1960s, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) proposed a rapid rail system with two lines in Arlington County: one line following I-66 to Fairfax and another servicing the Pentagon, National Airport, and Crystal City. Arlington County officials, however, successfully lobbied for the proposed I-66 line to follow Wilson Boulevard and Fairfax Drive instead (the former route of the WA&FC trolley line) to stimulate development along the aging corridors. Many of Arlington’s Metro Stations, including Ballston and Virginia Square, opened in 1979, transforming the community from small shops and businesses into a thriving urban village.

J. Walter Tejada

In 2003, J. Walter Tejada became the first person of Latin American heritage to be elected to the Arlington County Board or any governing body in Northern Virginia. Tejada served as County Board Chair in 2008 and 2013.

The Jefferson School

The Jefferson School opened in 1870 to educate African-American students. It was built near where the Army Navy Country Club house is located in South Arlington.

Columbia Pike Bus Line

On June 21, 1921: Bob May and his wife started Arlington's first bus service. It consisted of one bus and one driver who was Bob May, himself.

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.

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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
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The Ball-Sellers House
5620 3rd St S, Arlington, VA 22204
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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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