Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington in Arlington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Hunter Family
Abingdon Plantation
Photographed By Kevin W., June 12, 2008
1. The Hunter Family Marker
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 Bushrod’s 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.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Law Enforcement • 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. Marker is located between the parking garages at Ronald Reagan 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 Plantation (here, next to this marker); The Custis Family (here, next to this marker); Abingdon Plantation Restoration (a few steps from this marker); The Industrial Age (a few steps from this marker); Abingdon (a few steps from this marker); The Alexander Family (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ages of Abingdon
Photographed By Kevin W., June 12, 2008
2. The Hunter Family and Custis Family Markers
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. 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
4. 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 March 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,306 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 17, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
