Unknown Soldier

On this day in Arlington history, November 9, 1921 An unknown American soldier killed in Europe in World War I is returned to the United States on the USS Olympia. He will become the first Unknown Soldier to be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

Hume School

Milton Isiah Rowe, Sr.

On this day in Arlington history, November 7, 1925, Milton Isiah Rowe, Sr. was born in Washington, DC. Raised in Arlington, he served in the US Coast Guard on the USS Pocatello during World War II and returned to work for the US Army at the Pentagon for 37 years. After retiring from that career, he became a butler for some of the DC area’s more renowned residents.

John D. Nauck, Jr.

On this day in Arlington history, Nov 5, 1874: John D. Nauck, Jr. a former Confederate soldier and immigrant from Germany bought 46 acres of land from Rudolph & Emma Jane Buckley.

Robert “RD” Davis Ruffin

On this day in Arlington history: Nov 4, 1873, Robert “RD” Davis Ruffin was elected to be the Alexandria (now Arlington) County sheriff. He became the 1st African-American to take the oath as sheriff in Virginia. Ruffin also was a lawyer and member of the House of Delegates (1875–1876) & achieved financial success in real estate.

Share Your Underground Stories

Eddie Butler

On this day in Arlington history, October 31, 1934, the Washington Evening Star reported that a Witch would be riding through the sky with a broomstick and would land at Washington Airport in Arlington.

The “War of the Worlds”

On this day in Arlington history, October 30, 1938, Arlington and the DC region and indeed much of the east coast were still reacting to Orson Wells’ “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast from the previous evening. Most people who were within radio range of the New York City Broadcast were still not sure if aliens had invaded a small town in New Jersey.

The Gordon Sale

On this day in Arlington history: October 29, 1907: The Alexandria Gazette advertises a sale to begin on October 31st at 9:30 A.M.

Housing Needed for War Workers

On this day in Arlington history, October 28, 1944, the Arlington Sun reported that housing was needed for war workers NOW!

Support

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

Join
Donate
Volunteer

Visit Us

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
Get Directions

The Ball-Sellers House
5620 3rd St S, Arlington, VA 22204
703-892-4204 ext. 800
Open Saturday 1-4 pm, April-October
Get Directions

Contact Us

E-mail us: info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org
Call us: 703-892-4204 ext. 800

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

Facebook

Copyright 2025 Arlington Historical Society. All rights reserved.