Boulevard Manor in Arlington in Arlington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Great Falls Line
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 in 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 these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • 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. 38° 52.385′ N, 77° 7.958′ W. Marker is in Arlington, Virginia, in Arlington County. It is in Boulevard Manor. Marker is on Washington and Old Dominion Trail
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bluemont Junction (here, next to this marker); Rosslyn Station (here, next to this marker); Bluemont Junction, ca. 1934 (a few steps from this marker); The W&OD Railway and Jim Crow Laws (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); Named Stones (1989) (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arlington.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker, which has a slightly different subtitle.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 155 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 17, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
