Tag: history
Neighborhood Spotlight: Holmes Run Acres is an architectural gem
In an area full of traditional colonials, ramblers, and split levels, Holmes Run Acres stands out as one of the few neighborhoods in the Annandale area where you can find mid-century modern houses with lots of wood and glass. The neighborhood’s distinctive architecture qualified it to be listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register in … Continued
Family event will focus on African American history in Annandale area
The 2010 Oak Hill History Day, scheduled for October, will focus on 19th century African American communities in the Annandale area. Oak Hill is a privately owned 18th century Georgian-style home at 4716 Wakefield Chapel Road in Annandale. The home, one of the oldest in Fairfax County, and adjacent properties are all that remain of the … Continued
Map identifies Annandale property owners in 1860
Do you want to know who owned your land in 1860? Check out this cool interactive map on the Fairfax County History Commission’s website. You might have to play around a bit to find where your home is. The square labled 71-1 (pictured below) shows the Little River Turnpike/Columbia Pike intersection in the center of … Continued
Historic marker near library commemorates Civil War skirmish in Annandale
A new historic marker, titled “Action at Annandale,” commemorates a Civil War skirmish that took place on the spot now occupied by the George Mason Regional Library and Poe Terrace Park at the intersection of Little River Turnpike and Hillbrook Drive. Annandale resident Helen Winter, who spearheaded the project on behalf of the Annandale Revitalization Committee, … Continued
Re-enactment of Lincoln’s Grand Review to take place in Bailey’s Crossroads in November 2011
Big plans are underway to stage a re-enactment commemorating the 150th anniversary (the sesquicentennial) of President Lincoln’s Grand Review of the Army of the Potomac on Nov. 12, 2011, in Bailey’s Crossroads. The goal is to “put the spotlight on Northern Virginia to commemorate something of enormous importance to this country,” says Maria Elena Schacknies … Continued
Ravensworth Road: Then and now
A reader who wishes to remain anonymous sent the photo (top) of Ravensworth Road looking toward Annandale. It was taken around 1950 or 1951, before St. Michael’s Catholic Church was built. The other photo, taken yesterday, shows Ravensworth Road from the intersection of Davian Drive. It might not be the same section of road. Here’s what … Continued
Annandale has grown rapidly in the past few decades
Thanks to Annandale resident Gil Tribbett for sharing an aerial photo of Annandale that was probably taken sometime around 1951, give or take a couple of years. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to scan it well enough so you make out any detail. It’s amazing how rural this area was back then. The intersection of … Continued
Historic marker proposed to recognize remains of Manassas Gap Railroad near library
Poe Terrace Park, the woodsy area bordering Little River Turnpike and Hillbrook Drive, across the street from George Mason Regional Library, contains boulders that were once part of a bridge carrying the Manassas Gap Railroad over Little Indian Run Creek. Annandale resident Helen L. Winter, who is spearheading a proposal to have a historic marker … Continued
Holly Hill is historic gem
Amid the tract houses, shopping centers, and traffic-choked roads that cover our community are historic gems that remind us of Annandale’s rural past. Hidden away at the end of Statecrest Drive, accessible from Annandale Road is Holly Hill, one of half a dozen historic properties in the Mason District listed as worthy of preservation on … Continued