Arlington History: There’s an App for That!
Arlington County has a rich and diverse history. However, finding it can be a challenge. From pre-historic Native American settlements to post-World War II urbanization, there is much to learn from Arlington's past.
As a suburb of Washington, D.C., Arlington's history has always been closely connected to that of the nation's capital. During the 19th century, Arlington experienced the Civil War and the end of slavery. In the 20th century, the growth of the federal government workforce and public transportation brought in new residents, including immigrants from all over the world. Despite being one of the smallest counties in the country, Arlington played an important role in the fight against segregation and advancing civil rights. Even in the 21st century, Arlington continues to bear witness to history.
While some historic sites, such as Arlington National Cemetery, are well-known, much of the county's history is not as prominent. However, a new mobile app and website called Arlington Historical puts local history at everyone’s fingertips. Users can discover interesting stories about people, places, and events in Arlington's history by downloading the free app.
Stories are researched and written by local historians, community members, and other history-focused organizations. The digital storytelling project is funded by a grant from Arlington County's Historic Preservation Fund (HPF). Its goal is to encourage neighborhoods, communities, and individuals to discover and share their unique histories.
By digitally mapping the county's history, Arlington Historical makes it easy for residents and visitors to find and explore the stories around them, especially in their own neighborhoods and backyards. Users can also search for stories by location, categories, or keywords. Arlington Historical includes stories on Black History, Women's History, and Military History, as well as historical events like the drugstore sit-ins protesting segregation in 1960. There are stories about some of the “firsts” that happened in Arlington. These include the first passenger flight by the Wright Brothers at Fort Myer and the creation of the internet by the U.S. Department of Defense's Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), located in Arlington, Virginia.
Arlington Historical uses an online platform called "Curatescape" to publish location-based content. This platform was created by Cleveland University and is used in over 40 cities in the United States. The project has already mapped more than 225 stories and self-guided tours about Arlington County, with new ones being added every week. By providing an easier way to discover Arlington's past, the Arlington Historical app is making digital history.
Explore Arlington's rich history by downloading the Arlington Historical app on the Apple app store or the Google Play store.