The Unjust Displacement of Queen City Residents

Arlington County Board members gathered on May 13, 2024, to pay tribute to Queen City, a community forcibly removed in the 1940s for Pentagon construction.

The community of Queen City was home to over 900 residents, living in a tight-knit community established in the 1890s.

In 1942, the federal government acquired Queen City through eminent domain, without consulting local leaders or residents.

The displacement of Queen City's residents had a profound impact, leading to the loss of identity and culture.

An historic marker will be placed at the southeast corner of Army Navy Drive and S. Joyce Street, honoring the community's history.

A 35-foot-tall work of public art was installed in 2023 in the Metropolitan Park development, recognizing the community's legacy.

Board Chair Takis Karantonis acknowledged the county's failure to advocate for Queen City's residents at the time of the acquisition.

The Board recognized the efforts of Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria with the annual Bill Thomas Park Volunteer Award.

The Board marked the centennial of Ellen Bozman's birth, Arlington's longest-serving County Board member, on April 21, 2025.

The recognition of Queen City's legacy is a significant milestone in Arlington's history, serving as a reminder of the importance of advocating for marginalized communities.