In 1606 explorer John Smith created one of the first maps made of what would become Virginia. Smith was famous for his interactions with the Powhatan Indians, helping to foster trade relations with them, and for his role in ensuring that Jamestown would not fail- though his insistence that everyone work for their food regardless of social rank. The 1606 map was created before widespread White settlements and before extensive exploration of the region by the English. Arlington/Alexandria had not been conceived yet, though the plans for settlement were underway. Native tribes who made their homes along the Potomac, including the area that would become modern-day D.C. Arlington and Alexandria- which can be seen in the map. This map represents the starting point of Arlington’s history.
1670 Map