Boulevard Manor in Arlington in Arlington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Great Falls Line
The Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park
— Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority —
The Bluemont Branch of the Washington & Old Dominion was not the railroad’s only line. The Great Falls & Old Dominion Railroad arose in 1906 from the vision of two prominent men. Sen. Stephen B. Elkins of West Virginia had prospered through coal, lumber, and railroads in his home state. John R. McLean was involved in several businesses and owned The Washington Post.
Elkins and McLean bought land on the Virginia side of the Potomac River at Great Falls. They turned it into a resort, complete with a carousel, dance pavilion, and an electrified trolley line to bring the crowds from Washington. The largely undeveloped land along the line was ideal for residential communities, including one named after McLean.
Erected by Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the NOVA Parks, and the Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) Railroad series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 52.386′ N, 77° 7.959′ W. Marker was in Arlington, Virginia, in Arlington County . It was in Boulevard Manor. Marker could be reached from North Manchester Street, on the right when traveling north. Located in the W&OD Regional Trail Park, adjacent to the Four Mile Run City park. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Arlington VA 22205, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Bluemont Junction (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The Great Falls Line (here, next to this marker); Rosslyn Station (here, next to this marker); The W&OD Railway and Jim Crow Laws (a few steps from this marker); Bluemont Junction, ca. 1934 (a few steps from this marker); Tracks into History (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Civil War Outpost (about 700 feet away); Reevesland (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arlington.
More about this marker. The background of the marker is a picture of a train on the Great Falls Line captioned, “A small steam locomotive stops at Cherrydale in Arlington, along GF&OD around 1908.” The marker also has portraits of John R. McLean and Sen. Stephen Elkins. A small inset reproduces an advertisement used for the W&OD describing services to Great Falls.
This marker is one of a standard set used along the trail, and is duplicated elsewhere.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker which has a slightly different subtitle.
Also see . . . Great Falls and Old Dominion Line. Wikipedia entry, with a rather detailed listing of stops along the line. One section of the old railroad was converted to the present day Old Dominion Drive. (Submitted on November 28, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 28, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,710 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 28, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.