ARLINGTON, Virginia — The preserved ruins of Abingdon Plantation at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This site features the brick foundations of the 18th century plantation house and kitchen, along with interpretive signs detailing the property's history from Colonial times through the Civil War era and into the 20th century. Once home to members of George Washington's extended family, the site now offers airport visitors a glimpse into the area's rich history.
Photograph by David Coleman. The Abingdon Plantation site at Reagan National Airport preserves the remains of an important Colonial-era estate with connections to some of America's most prominent historical figures. Built in the 1740s by the Alexander family (for whom Alexandria, Virginia is named), the plantation later became home to John Parke Custis, the stepson of George Washington, and was the birthplace of Nelly Custis, Washington's beloved granddaughter. The site features the preserved brick foundations of the main plantation house and a separate kitchen/laundry building. Interpretive signs provide visitors with information on the property's long history, from its origins as part of a 6,000-acre land grant in 1669 through its days as a working plantation, its role during the Civil War, and its eventual incorporation into the grounds of the national airport. The exhibits also highlight the lives of enslaved African Americans who lived and worked at Abingdon, providing names and details about individuals when possible. This information helps present a more complete picture of plantation life and acknowledges the contributions of those whose stories were often left untold. In addition to the physical ruins, the site offers scenic views of Washington and the Potomac River, helping visitors understand the plantation's strategic location. The preservation of Abingdon amidst the modern airport complex demonstrates a commitment to maintaining connections to the area's rich history, even as the region continues to develop. Visitors can access the Abingdon site via a short walk from the airport terminals or from the Mount Vernon Trail. A more extensive exhibit on the plantation's history, featuring artifacts uncovered during archaeological work, can be found inside Terminal A of the airport.
Size: 7728px × 5152px
Location: Reagan National Airport, Arlington, Virginia, United States
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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