Arlington’s Path to Self-Government

Arlington’s story of local government is one of transformation, from scattered rural communities to one of the most interesting counties in Virginia. A century ago, Arlington was still defining what it meant to govern itself.

Rediscovering Arlington’s Civil War History

Columbia Pike

History of Arlington’s Government

Community Gathering in Crystal City Underground

I used to attend Friday board game nights at the Landing in the Crystal City underground starting in 2014. There was a large seating area with space for around 100 people, and it was often full from the board game nights and other people who met there. It was a great centrally located place with free parking, an indoor connection to the Crystal City Metro station, and a variety of food options indoors.

Bennett v. Garrett

In 1920, members of the Clarendon Citizens’ Association petitioned to incorporate as the Town of Clarendon. Supporters argued that a local government could more effectively provide water, sewers, police, and fire protection. At the time, Arlington had only one sheriff, limited infrastructure, and relied on citizen groups to fill the gaps.

Arlington’s First Openly LGBTQ Elected Official

In 1997, Jay Fisette became the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to office in Virginia when he won the Arlington County Board seat. Fisette served for six terms on the Board, from 1998 to 2017, and served as Board Chair five times, including in his final year.

The Organized Women Voters of Arlington

A decidedly non-partisan organization, the OWV was unique in its distinct attention to matters facing the County. In an interview with the Northern Virginia Sun in 1958, then-president Ms. Woolley stated she believed “that the Organized Women Voters of Arlington is the only women voters’ group in the United States concerned solely with matters of local interest.”

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.

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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
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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