National Register Listing

Penrose Historic District

a.k.a. VDHR File Number 000-8823

Roughly bounded by Arlington Blvd., S. Courthouse Rd., S. Fillmore St., S. Barton St. S, and Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Community Planning And Development; Black

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Audiobooks about the history of Virginia.
The Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, is located in Arlington, Virginia.
Virginia random facts
Arlington County, VA has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Powhatan and the Chesapeake peoples, who lived along the banks of the Potomac River. European exploration of the region began in the early 17th century, with Captain John Smith and others making contact with the local tribes.

In 1801, the federal government acquired land along the Potomac River to establish the District of Columbia, including what is now Arlington County. However, in 1846, the portion of the land on the Virginia side of the river was retroceded back to Virginia due to political tensions between the southern states and the federal government.

During the American Civil War, Arlington County played a significant role. The area was turned into a military encampment and eventually became the site of Arlington National Cemetery, where Union soldiers were buried. After the war, the land was returned to its original owner, George Washington Custis Lee, the grandson of George Washington. In 1871, the government purchased the land from Lee's family, and the cemetery continued to grow.

In the 20th century, Arlington County experienced rapid suburbanization and urban development. The construction of the Pentagon in the 1940s and the expansion of federal agencies led to an influx of residents and increased economic activity. Today, Arlington County is known for its vibrant communities, bustling urban centers, and close proximity to Washington, D.C. It is also home to numerous landmarks, including the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Marine Corps War Memorial.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Arlington County, Virginia.

  • 1600: Native American tribes, including the Doeg and Nacotchtank, live in the area now known as Arlington County.
  • 1634: English settlers establish a trading post near present-day Rosslyn.
  • 1801: The United States purchases the land that will eventually become Arlington County as part of the District of Columbia.
  • 1846: The portion of the District of Columbia west of the Potomac River is returned to Virginia due to legislation passed by Congress.
  • 1861: The American Civil War begins.
  • 1864: Arlington House, belonging to General Robert E. Lee, is seized by the Union Army and becomes the site of Arlington National Cemetery.
  • 1920: The name of the county is changed from Alexandria County to Arlington County.
  • 1954: Integration of public schools in Arlington County takes place following the Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education.
  • 1970s: Arlington County experiences significant growth in population and urban development.
  • 2001: The Pentagon is damaged during the September 11 terrorist attacks.