Vienna in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Arlington & Fairfax Railway
The Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park
— Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 21, 2023
1. The Arlington & Fairfax Railway Marker
The Washington & Old Dominion Railroad had competition. In 1904 the Washington, Arlington, & Falls Church Railway began service from Washington, D.C., to Vienna, Virginia, along a route parallel to the W&OD.
Besides offering passengers the latest electrified trolley service, while the W&OD puffed along on steam until 1912, the WA&FC expanded its line from Vienna to Fairfax Court house (now the city of Fairfax).
In 1927 a group of local citizens took over the railway and renamed it the Arlington & Fairfax. In the 1930s they replaced aging electric cars with Evans auto-railers, hybrid vehicles which ran on both track and paved roads.
Despite their efforts, the A&F suffered the financial problems that plagued most local trolley lines. It was abandoned in 1939.
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 1904.
Location. 38° 54.178′ N, 77° 15.888′ W. Marker is in Vienna, Virginia, in Fairfax County. Marker is on Washington
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Freeman House (within shouting distance of this marker); Freeman Store and Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park (about 300 feet away); Vienna Centennial Park (about 300 feet away); Vienna Station (about 700 feet away); Tracks into History (about 700 feet away); James C. ("Jim") Martinelli (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vienna.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 21, 2023
2. The Arlington & Fairfax Railway Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 130 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 21, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
