Boulevard Manor in Arlington in Arlington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Great Falls Line
Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park
| | Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority | |
The Bluemont Branch of the Washington & Old Dominion was not the railroad's only line. The Great Falls & Old Dominion Railroad arose in 1906 from the vision of two prominent men.
Sen. Stephen B. Elkins of West Virginia had prospered through coal, lumber, and railroads in his home state. John R. McLean was involved in several businesses and owned The Washington Post.
Elkins and McLean bought land on the Virginia side of the Potomac River at Great Falls. They turned it into a resort, complete with a carousel, dance pavilion, and an electrified trolley line to bring the crowds in from Washington. The largely undeveloped land along the line was ideal for residential communities, including one named after McLean.
Erected by Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the NOVA Parks, and the Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) Railroad series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.
Location. 38° 52.385′ N, 77° 7.958′ W. Marker is in Arlington,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds 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 marker: Bluemont Junction (here, next to this marker); Rosslyn Station (here, next to this marker); Bluemont Junction, ca. 1934 (a few steps from this marker); The W&OD Railway and Jim Crow Laws (a few steps from this marker); Tracks into History
Other markers no longer nearby. The Great Falls Line (has been replaced with this marker); Confederate Outpost (was about 800 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker, which has a slightly different subtitle.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 502 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 17, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
