Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington in Arlington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Industrial Age
Abingdon Plantation
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 the airport, but the ruins on this hill remained relatively untouched.
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. Marker is located between the parking garages at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Arlington VA 22202, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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 Custis Family (a few steps from this marker); Abingdon Plantation (a few steps from this marker); The Hunter Family (a few steps from this marker); The Alexander Family (a few steps from this marker); The Ages of Abingdon (within shouting distance of this marker); Ronald Reagan (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arlington.
Also see . . . Abindgon Plantation. (Submitted on July 11, 2011, by Bernard H. Berne of Arlington, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,095 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 18, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.