Chain Bridge Forest in Arlington in Arlington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Mouth of Pimmit Run

Photographed by Craig Swain, October 28, 2007

1. The Mouth of Pimmit Run Marker

Inscription. Thomas Lee patented land in this area in 1719. Here at the head of navigation of the Potomac River, he established an official tobacco inspection warehouse in 1742, the beginning of Arlington's first industrial complex. After 1794, Philip Richard Fendall and Lewis Hipkins, then owners of 200 acres in the Pimmit Run region built a grist mill, brewery, distillery, cooper and blacksmith shops, and other structures. After 1815, a cloth mill, woolen factory, and paper mill were established along the run, later to be abandoned. In the 1890s the Columbia Light and Power Company used Pimmit Run to generate electricity. Stone from nearby quarries was loaded on scows moored to the iron ring that can still be seen embedded in the rocks below.

Erected by Arlington County, Virginia.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1719.

Location. 38° 55.734′ N, 77° 7.108′ W. Marker is in Arlington, Virginia, in Arlington County. It is in Chain Bridge Forest. It is at the intersection of North Glebe Road (State Highway 120) and 41st Street, on the right when traveling north on North Glebe Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Arlington VA 22207, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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

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other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pimmit Run and Chain Bridge (here, next to this marker); Chain Bridge (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Clay and Randolph Duel (approx. ¼ mile away); Fort Ethan Allen—What to Look For (approx. 0.4 miles away); Communications along the Defensive Line (approx. 0.4 miles away); Lives of the Soldiers (approx. 0.4 miles away); Capital Protectors (approx. 0.4 miles away); Protecting the Fort (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arlington.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Arlington County / Fairfax County (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker. The marker has moved to a wayside area just to the west, where 41st Street North intersects Glebe Road (under the overpass of George Washington Parkway). From there one can walk a trail under the bridge where Glebe Road passes Pimmit Run. The trail leads to the mouth of the creek.

New Location image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, September 15, 2012

2. New Location

The marker was moved to a safer area for viewing in 2011.

Two County Markers at the Chain Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, October 28, 2007

3. Two County Markers at the Chain Bridge

Original location

Masonry Structures Remaining at the Mouth of the Pimmit image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, October 28, 2007

4. Masonry Structures Remaining at the Mouth of the Pimmit

Head of Navigation of the Potomac image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, October 28, 2007

5. Head of Navigation of the Potomac

Looking downstream, the river channel is spread across several courses and around islands.

The Mouth of Pimmit Run image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, October 28, 2007

6. The Mouth of Pimmit Run

Credits. This page was last revised on March 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,707 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 5, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on September 23, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 5, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 6. submitted on September 23, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.