Virginia Square in Arlington in Arlington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Ball's Crossroads

Photographed by Kevin Vincent, June 6, 2012

1. Ball's Crossroads Marker

Inscription. This intersection has been a focal point since about 1740, when two roads were developed, one from the future site to Alexandria to the mouth of Pimmit Run, the other from Awbury’s Ferry (at the site of Rosslyn) to the Falls Church. The first came to be known as the Glebe Road because it passed the glebe of Fairfax Parish and in order to distinguish it from other roads to the Falls. The second was eventually named Wilson Boulevard in honor of President Wilson. The intersection became known as Ball’s Crossroads when Ball’s Tavern was established here in the early 1800’s.

Erected 1969 by Arlington County. (Marker Number 26.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1740.

Location. 38° 52.81′ N, 77° 6.78′ W. Marker is in Arlington, Virginia, in Arlington County. It is in Virginia Square. It is at the intersection of Wilson Boulevard and North Glebe Road, on the right when traveling east on Wilson Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Arlington VA 22201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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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: Welburn Square (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Human Rights (about 700 feet away); Ellen Bozman (about 700 feet away); Peck Chevrolet (about 700 feet away); Urban Development (about 700 feet away); Health & Welfare (about 800 feet away); Ballston (approx. 0.2 miles away); Christ in Blessing, early 1930s (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arlington.

Ball's Crossroads image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Vincent, June 6, 2012

2. Ball's Crossroads

Looking west on Wilson Boulevard to the intersection with Glebe Road

Modern restaurant behind marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Vincent, June 6, 2012

3. Modern restaurant behind marker

Although this marker discusses Arlington's 18th century history, there are few remnants of that time left at this location.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2012, by Kevin Vincent of Arlington, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,537 times since then and 117 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 6, 2012, by Kevin Vincent of Arlington, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.