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.

The Arlington Way

The term "Arlington Way" is commonly used to describe the county's non-partisan, cooperative political culture. Its history is rooted in the 1930s and 1940s, when Arlington's local politics shifted away from partisan battles to a non-partisan system, fostering a collaborative and consensus-driven approach to governance that continues today.

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.

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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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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

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