This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Carolanne Korolowicz
Every Arlingtonian knows the slog down 395, the bumper to bumper on Route 50, and the jam on 66, but we should consider ourselves lucky to live in a time with a fairly efficient and well-oiled commuter system. The county had a long history of various modes of transportation before the automobile and bus systems of today.
At the beginning of the 19th century, citizens journeying to Richmond would endure a 38-hour trip by horsedrawn coaches. By 1815, this was dramatically reduced down to 24 hours thanks to an overnight steamboat running from Aquia Creek to the Federal City. Twenty years later, a rail line from Fredericksburg to Potomac Creek was chartered— at a lightning speed of 10 miles per hour! Rail lines began popping up around the greater D.C. area making for quicker travel for both freight and passengers.
One of the biggest impacts on Arlington’s development was the creation of a passenger trolley line. Starting in 1896, The first trolley line went from Rosslyn to Fort Myer. Like transportation years before, the first trolley car was literally horse-powered. The horse would pull the car up the hill and then would coast down on the back platform. Later on, motor-powered cars came into play, and the Rosslyn trolley connected with multiple new lines, which created the blueprint for many of the major roads we drive today, including Washington Blvd. and Fairfax Drive.
The trolley helped turn rural areas into the start of suburban neighborhoods. By the turn of the century, the Historic Penrose Neighborhood grew into a thriving working-class neighborhood thanks to it becoming the epicenter of commuter line connections. Hunter Station, positioned on the corner of 2nd St. and S. Wayne St., was where the trolley line would meet the Washington-Virginia line, a direct connection to the city. The trolley lines, unfortunately, went out of business by 1939 when automobile and bus travel became more prevalent.
After the fall of the rail system, Hunter Station became a private residence. The property’s current owners purchased the property in 1977. Over 45 years later, the residents are now selling the property to a new “conductor”. Listed by Long & Foster, this over 2,500 square-foot property is currently listed for $899,000. If owning an unconventional home, or a home considered a landmark by neighbors, is of interest, you won’t find too many other opportunities within county lines.
Penrose has a rich history that its citizens take pride in. The trolley has become the community symbol and can be found on the neighborhood identification signs. The Mr. Rogers-esque charm of a neighborhood trolley isn’t the only remarkable trait of this South Arlington enclave. The Penrose Neighborhood Association has traced their history all the way back to 1649. From English settlers, Civil War battles, the establishment of Freeman Villages, to 20th century telecommunications — Penrose has a story.
Other Current Listings in The Historic Penrose Neighborhood:
- 304 S. Veitch Street
2 Bed/2 Bath, $685,000
Presented by Sean Judge, Real Broker LLC - 507 S. Adams Street
5 Beds/5.5 Bath, $2,250,000
Presented by Kristen Schifano & Lindsay Stuckey, RLAH @properties - 2028 6th Street S.
2 Bed/3 Bath, $605,000
Presented by Beate Whitesell, Wilkinson PM LLC
Does your Arlington home have a story? I would love to highlight it! Please email me at [email protected]
