Tag: history
School board to consider renaming Woodson HS for Carter Woodson
The Fairfax County School Board approved a “forum request” on Sept. 14 to begin the process of renaming W.T. Woodson High School. When the school opened in 1962, it was named for Wilbert Tucker (W.T.) Woodson, who served as Fairfax County Superintendent from 1929 to 1961. Community members have advocated for changing the school’s name … Continued
Annandale ‘comfort woman’ statue is gone
The Statue of Peace in Annandale honoring the Korean “comfort women” has been removed. The statue was installed in front of an office building at 7601 Little River Turnpike in Annandale in October 2019 by the Washington Coalition for Comfort Women Issues (WCCW). The statue reminds the public of the sacrifices of the thousands of … Continued
A local Black community honors its history
More than a hundred current and former residents of Springdale came to the first-anniversary celebration of the Black American Registry of Bailey’s Crossroads to honor the people who made lasting contributions to the community. The event, in the Bailey’s Community Center on July 15, featured an awards ceremony, photo displays, and an opportunity for people … Continued
A Bailey’s Xroads resident is documenting the history of a vibrant Black community
The Springdale neighborhood in Bailey’s Crossroads has long been the center of a flourishing Black community. But now, the history of that community is in danger of being lost as younger generations have moved out, McMansions replaced many of the smaller houses, and new developments are encroaching on the neighborhood. Springdale is centered around Lacy … Continued
Explore a park: Howrey Field Park
This article is part of our Explore a Park series on parks in the Annandale/Mason District area. The most recent article in this series covered Annandale Community Park. Previous articles are listed on the Parks page. Howrey Field Park, a small park in Annandale has just four athletic fields and a memorial in recognition of a tragic … Continued
Fairfax County honors local heroes during Black History Month
Fairfax County honors local heroes of the African American community during Black History Month. A commemorative banner in honor of Dr. Edwin Bancroft Henderson is on display at the Providence Rec Center, and six new historic markers relating to Black history have been approved for installation around the county. Henderson (1883-1977), led the fight against … Continued
Historic Overlay District fails to gain sufficient community support
A proposal to create a Historic Overlay District in Holmes Run Acres will not go forward following a poll that found insufficient support. According to the poll results, 52.5 percent of homeowners opposed an HOD, and 45 percent supported it. Mason Supervisor Penny Gross said she will introduce a board matter before the Board of … Continued
Oak Hill Day offers a history lesson
For the first time since before the Covid pandemic, the community got a chance to explore Oak Hill in person. The Oak Hill property in Annandale is the last remaining remnant of the 24,000-acre Ravensworth Tract granted to William Fitzhugh in 1685. On Oak Hill Day, on Sept. 17, local residents toured the first floor … Continued
Explore a Park: Ossian Hall Park
This article is part of our series on parks in the Annandale/Mason District area. See other stories in the series in the Parks tab. Ossian Hall Park, located at 7900 Heritage Drive next to Annandale High School, offers sports fields for AHS athletes and the community, free outdoor concerts in the summer, and playgrounds for … Continued
Road name changes move forward
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 13 voted to officially request the Commonwealth Transportation Board to rename Lee Highway Route 29 and to rename Lee-Jackson Memorial Highway Route 50. That decision follows a recommendation from the Confederate Names Task Force. “If approved by the CTB,” board chair Jeffrey McKay said, “this change will … Continued
Let’s preserve the unique character of Holmes Run Acres
By Edith MacArthur Put a lot of people in a bunch of houses and do you get a community? Maybe, but it is unlikely to be the kind of community that Holmes Run Acres (HRA) has been for 65 years: a place with a rich architectural history and a lot of natural beauty. Building parameters … Continued
Oak Hill Day will be in-person
For the first time since the start of the Covid pandemic, historic Oak Hill will host an in-person open house.The 2022 Oak Hill Day will be held Sept. 17, noon-4 p.m., at the historic property in Annandale. Visitors can park at the Nancy Sprague Technology Center, 4414 Holborn Ave., Annandale, and take a free shuttle … Continued
Lake Accotink celebrates 60th anniversary
The Fairfax County Park Authority hosted a 60th-anniversary celebration of Lake Accotink Park Aug. 27. There were remarks by public officials, informational tables hosted by county agencies and nonprofit organizations, free activities, food trucks, and a cake. In 1960, the Park Authority leased 242 acres from the federal government to create the park. There were … Continued
Historic Overlay District proposed for Holmes Run Acres
Holmes Run Acres residents appear to be divided on whether their community should have a Historic Overlay District (HOD). How residents stand on the issue won’t be known until October when the results of a poll will be announced. The poll opened Aug. 1 and will close Sept. 9. Supporters say an HOD will prevent … Continued
Lee District to be renamed Franconia
Fairfax County Supervisor Rodney Lusk (Lee District) urged the Board of Supervisors to begin the process to change the name of his district to Franconia. “Over the last two and a half years, my office has held three town hall meetings to hear directly from the community on what the name Lee District means to … Continued