Crystal City in Arlington in Arlington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
A Historic Junction
The Long Bridge in 1865. Union troops laid railroad track across the bridge during the Civil War to carry supplies to destinations such as Fort Jackson, erected near here to protect this vital crossing from Confederate attacks.
Around the turn of the 20th century, a new rail bridge was built as the region grew. The railroad tracks of the Civil War-era crossing were converted for an electric trolley system. The trolley carried commuters into Washington, D.C. and transported Washingtonians to various attractions in Arlington.
Just as humans continue to move through this area, the Chesapeake region is a crucial migration route for many species of birds.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Bridges & Viaducts • Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Defenses of Washington series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby.
this page online
Regionally, this marker was in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It was also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Significance of Roaches Run Sanctuary (here, next to this marker); New and Renewed Land (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Runyon after the Civil War (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Known Units Garrisoned at Fort Runyon (about 700 feet away); The Union Soldier (about 700 feet away); Arlington Transformed by War (about 700 feet away); The Defenses of Washington (about 700 feet away); The March Across the Long Bridge (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arlington.
Another marker is no longer nearby. New and Renewed Land (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on March 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 432 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 7, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
