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Date added: June 22, 2013; Modified: May 16, 2022
Originally known as the Arlington Cantonment and then as South Post, this area was a part of Fort Myer. In 1940, WPA labor was used to: “Construct, improve and rehabilitate buildings, including installing plumbing, heating and electrical facilities, public utility… read more
Date added: May 11, 2012; Modified: August 10, 2021
The first Washington DC airport was built during the New Deal. Long known as National Airport, it was renamed for former President Ronald Reagan in 1998. Most locals still refer to it by its former name. Construction began in 1938,… read more
Date added: July 30, 2013; Modified: June 22, 2021
The old main post office in Arlington VA was constructed in 1937 by the Treasury Department to consolidate postal services in the surrounding area. “As the first federal building in the County, the post office provided a focal point for… read more
Date added: June 6, 2020; Modified: June 5, 2021
The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense and the largest office building in the world. It was constructed from August 1941 to January 1943 in order to centralize the administration of the U.S. armed services… read more
Date added: May 24, 2013; Modified: June 5, 2021
In 1934-35, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped develop Roaches Run Waterfowl Sanctuary out of the marshes along the south shore of the Potomac River. Roaches Run is located at the north end of National Airport, which was developed a… read more
Date added: June 8, 2020; Modified: May 6, 2021
The Pentagon is America’s Department of Defense headquarters and the largest office building in the world. It was constructed from August 1941 to January 1943 in order to centralize the administration of the U.S. armed services during World War II…. read more
Date added: July 30, 2013; Modified: May 6, 2021
The old Main Post Office in Arlington VA, opened in 1937, contains seven New Deal murals by Auriel Bessemer in its lobby. The mural series is titled, “Agricultural and Industrial Scenes – Sketches of Virginia.” They were commissioned by the… read more
Date added: November 7, 2014; Modified: January 2, 2021
ThePublic Works Administration (PWA) funded the construction 0f the Washington-Liberty High School. According to the school’s history page, “In 1938 with PWA funds, another addition” to Washington Lee High School in Arlington, Virginia “was completed. A PWA plaque is located… read more
Date added: May 24, 2013; Modified: May 7, 2020
The Abingdon Plantation Historic Site is the birthplace of Nellie Custis (1779-1852), granddaughter of Martha Washington and step-granddaughter of George Washington. Following the death of her father (John Parke Custis) in 1781, Nelly and her brother, George Washington Parke Custis,… read more
Date added: May 29, 2013; Modified: February 27, 2020
Project cards in the National Archives index describes extensive work to be undertaken by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in Arlington National Cemetery in 1938-41. “Reconstruct and improve roads and streets in Arlington National Cemetery Reservation located near Fort… read more
Date added: February 12, 2012; Modified: January 12, 2018
“The Quartermaster Corps of the Army designed and constructed this chapel at Fort Myer and also built the new entrance gateway to the National Cemetery. The chapel is used for religious services at the post and also for rites in… read more
Date added: May 31, 2013; Modified: February 26, 2015
Fort Myer is a US Army post adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery. Along with many other military installations throughout the country, it received significant funding and improvements from New Deal agencies. One result was a new NCO housing area: “The… read more
Date added: June 26, 2013; Modified: February 8, 2015
According to WPA records in the National Archives, in 1939 WPA labor was used to “Construct and rehabilitate water and sewer facilities, and roads, improve grounds, at the United States Experimental Gardens in Arlington County Va.” Exact location and current… read more