Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington in Arlington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Hunter Family
Abingdon Plantation
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, December 10, 2025
1. The Hunter Family Marker
After the Stuarts moved from Abingdon in 1793, the Alexander family once again owned the plantation. Robert Alexander IIIs son, Walter, leased Abingdon to several families over the years. In 1807, he advertised the Abingdon estate for sale, ending six generations of ownership by the Alexander family.
The Wise family leased the property from 1808 to 1835. It is reported that the family witnessed the burning of the Capital by British troops while living at Abingdon during the war of 1812.
Alexander Hunter bought Abingdon in 1835. As a U.S. Marshal for Washington D.C., Hunter was a friend of Presidents Polk, Tyler and Jackson, who each visited Abingdon. He died in 1849, entrusting the land to his brother Bushrod Washington Hunter, until Bushrods son, also named Alexander Hunter, came of age.
In 1861, Bushrod and Alexander Hunter left Abingdon to join the Confederate army during the Civil War. During their absence, a New Jersey regiment of the Union army occupied Abingdon Plantation, calling it Camp Princeton. The Federal government confiscated Abingdon under tax laws enacted to finance the war and sold the property at auction.
After Alexander Hunter returned from the Civil War, he sued the Federal government for his land. Future President James A. Garfield argued his case before the Supreme Court,
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Alexander Hunter advertised Abingdon for sale in 1881. A real estate pamphlet described Abingdon as a prime piece of real estate whose value would increase due to its proximity to the growing capital city.
Erected by Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #11 James K. Polk series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1793.
Location. 38° 51.076′ N, 77° 2.685′ W. Marker is in Arlington, Virginia, in Arlington County. It is in Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. It can be reached from National Avenue near Smith Boulevard, on the left when traveling north. The marker stands between the parking garages at Ronald Reagan National Airport. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2400 National Ave, Arlington VA 22202, 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 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Abingdon Plantation (here, next to this marker); The Custis Family (here, next to this marker); Abingdon and John Alexander (here, next to this marker); Abingdon Plantation Restoration
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, December 10, 2025
2. The Hunter Family Marker
Also see . . . Wikipedia: Abingdon (plantation). (Submitted on July 11, 2011, by Bernard H. Berne of Arlington, Virginia.)
Photographed by Kevin W., June 12, 2008
3. The Hunter Family and Custis Family Markers
Photographed by Kevin W., June 12, 2008
4. Alexander Hunter
During the Civil War, Confederate General Robert E. Lee assigned Alexander Hunter to the prestigious Black Horse Cavalry. He later wrote a book, Johnny Reb and Billy Yank, to tell the story of his Civil War experiences, including his capture and escape from imprisonment by the Union Army. (Source: Caption to this picture on the marker.)
Photographed by Kevin W., June 12, 2008
5. Additions to Abingdon
By 1851, the land assessment for buildings at Abingdon doubled in value, suggesting that Bushrod Washington Hunter made extensive improvements to the house. The addition of wings, porches and a second story greatly altered the appearance of the original colonial structure. (Source: Caption to this picture on the marker.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,968 times since then and 81 times this year. Last updated on April 28, 2026, by Bernard H. Berne of Arlington, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 15, 2026, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 17, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
