North Rosslyn in Arlington in Arlington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Rosslyn
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, April 18, 2015
1. Rosslyn Marker
Inscription.
Rosslyn traditionally has served as a principal gateway to Arlington and to Virginia. Captain John Smith explored this area in 1608. Awbrey's Ferry carried travelers across the Potomac for more than a century in the 1700s and 1800s. The Aqueduct Bridge opened in 1843, linking the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal with the Alexandria Canal. One pier of that bridge is visible today near the Virginia shore. In the 1860s, William and Carolyn Ross had a farm in this area which they named Rosslyn. During the Civil War, Federal forces also occupied the region, and Forts Bennett, Haggerty, and Corcoran were built nearby as part of the defensive line around the capital. In the 1900s Rosslyn was one of several areas along the waterfront controlled by a lawless element. In 1904, members of the Good Citizens' League succeeded in closing down the gambling houses and saloons, restoring peace and safety to Rosslyn. In 1923, the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge replaced the Aqueduct Bridge. Throughout the early 1900s Rosslyn evolved into a commercial and industrial area. The 1960s marked the beginning of Rosslyn's transformation into a major urban center.
Rosslyn traditionally has served as a principal gateway to Arlington and to Virginia. Captain John Smith explored this area in 1608. Awbrey's Ferry carried travelers across the Potomac for more than a century in the 1700s and 1800s. The Aqueduct Bridge opened in 1843, linking the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal with the Alexandria Canal. One pier of that bridge is visible today near the Virginia shore. In the 1860s, William and Carolyn Ross had a farm in this area which they named Rosslyn. During the Civil War, Federal forces also occupied the region, and Forts Bennett, Haggerty, and Corcoran were built nearby as part of the defensive line around the capital. In the 1900s Rosslyn was one of several areas along the waterfront controlled by a lawless element. In 1904, members of the Good Citizens' League succeeded in closing down the gambling houses and saloons, restoring peace and safety to Rosslyn. In 1923, the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge replaced the Aqueduct Bridge. Throughout the early 1900s Rosslyn evolved into a commercial and industrial area. The 1960s marked the beginning of Rosslyn's transformation into a major urban center.
Erected by Arlington County, Virginia.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics
Location. 38° 53.911′ N, 77° 4.332′ W. Marker is in Arlington, Virginia, in Arlington County. It is in North Rosslyn. Marker is at the intersection of Langston Boulevard (U.S. 29) and North Fort Myer Drive, on the left when traveling east on Langston Boulevard. Marker is in Arlington Gateway Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1300 Lee Highway, Arlington VA 22209, United States of America. Touch for directions.
nesting on one of the remaining piers of the Aqueduct Bridge, near the Virginia Shore.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, April 18, 2015
7. Francis Scott Key Bridge
The tall buildings of Rosslyn can be seen in the distance, The ruin of the north abutment of the Aqueduct Bridge in the foreground.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, April 18, 2015
8. DC Boundary Marker
This nearby boundary stone sits on the southern end of the Key Bridge, reminding us that DC owns the river so Rosslyn is on the very edge of the district.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 19, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 885 times since then and 69 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on April 19, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
