Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington in Arlington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Industrial Age
Abingdon Plantation
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, December 10, 2025
1. The Industrial Age Marker
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the encroachment of industry transformed the landscape of Abingdon. Several brick companies purchased the land and began to manufacture brick on the site.
Various modes of transportation converged on Abingdon. In 1892, the Washington, Alexandria and Mount Vernon electric railway was built west of Abingdon and carried tourists to Mount Vernon. In 1924, the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad bought the Abingdon property to extend its rail yards. The Mt. Vernon Memorial Highway (now George Washington Memorial Parkway) was also being constructed on the site during the 1920s.
Abingdon was soon abandoned and deteriorating; however, preservationists recognized its historical significance. Architect Delos Smith wrote an article in 1929 explaining the history of Abingdon, including sketches for the possible restoration of the house to what he believed to be its original colonial appearance.
On March 5, 1930, Abingdon burned to the ground. The Washington Branch of the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities stabilized the ruins and commemorated the location with a plaque in 1933.
In 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt approved plans for the construction of National Airport. Much of the land that once encompassed Abingdon became part of
this page online
Erected by Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Places. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1862.
Location. 38° 51.074′ N, 77° 2.676′ W. Marker is in Arlington, Virginia, in Arlington County. It is in Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. It can be reached from National Avenue north of Smith Boulevard, on the left when traveling north. The marker stands between the parking garages at Ronald Reagan Washington 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 (here, next to this marker); Abingdon Plantation Restoration (here, next to this marker); The Stable Manager - Rented to George Washington (a few steps from this marker); The Custis Family (a few steps from this marker); Abingdon Plantation (a few steps from this marker); Abingdon and John Alexander (a few steps from this marker); The Hunter Family (a few steps from this marker); The Dress (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arlington.
Also see . . . Abindgon Plantation
Photographed by Kevin W., June 12, 2008
2. The Industrial Age Marker
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, December 10, 2025
3. The Industrial Age Marker
The marker is to the far right.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,326 times since then and 29 times this year. Last updated on April 28, 2026, by Bernard H. Berne of Arlington, Virginia. Photos: 1. submitted on February 15, 2026, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on June 18, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 3. submitted on February 15, 2026, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
