**The Lost Community of Queen City: Honoring the Legacy of Arlington’s Forgotten Residents**
In May 2024, Arlington County Board members gathered to pay tribute to the once-thriving community of Queen City, which was forcibly removed to make way for Pentagon construction in the 1940s. The event marked a long-overdue acknowledgment of the community’s history and the painful displacement of its residents.
The Forgotten Community
Queen City was established in the early 1890s and was home to over 900 residents, who lived in a tight-knit community that included Green Valley, Halls Hill, Arlington View, and Baileys Crossroads. However, in 1942, the federal government acquired the 30-acre community through eminent domain, without consulting local leaders or residents. This decision had a profound impact on the community, leading to the displacement of its residents, many of whom were forced to relocate to other historically African-American communities in Arlington and beyond.
Loss of Identity and Culture
The demolition of Queen City “destroyed the hopes and dreams and aspirations of so many people,” said William Vollin, one of the last surviving members of the community, who was present at the May 13 event. Vollin, now 94 years old, frames the event as an “atrocity” that has left a lasting legacy of pain and regret.
A Historic Marker and Public Art
In recognition of the community’s history, an historic marker was approved in January 2024, which will be placed at the southeast corner of Army Navy Drive and S. Joyce Street. A formal unveiling is set for June 2024. Additionally, a 35-foot-tall work of public art honoring the community was installed in 2023 in the Metropolitan Park development located nearby.
Recognition of the Community’s Legacy
Board Chair Takis Karantonis acknowledged that Arlington County leaders failed to advocate for the community’s residents at the time of the acquisition. “Arlington should have done more,” he said. “Recognition of the community and its residents is long overdue.”
Karantonis also recognized the efforts of Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria, which was honored with the annual Bill Thomas Park Volunteer Award at the May 13 meeting. “We are thrilled to recognize the organization for its efforts in supporting tree health, citizen science, advocacy, and education,” Karantonis said. The organization provided over 1,700 hours of volunteer service in 2024.
Centennial of Ellen Bozman’s Birth
The Board also marked the centennial of the birth of Ellen Bozman, Arlington’s longest-serving County Board member, who was born on April 21, 1925. “She was a passionate pioneer,” said Karantonis. “Born in 1925, Bozman was elected to the Board in 1973 and won six successive elections before retiring in December 1997.”
The county government’s headquarters building was renamed in her honor several years after her death in 2009.
Conclusion
The recognition of Queen City’s legacy is a significant milestone in Arlington’s history. It serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for marginalized communities and preserving their cultural heritage. As we move forward, it is essential to continue honoring the memories of those who were displaced and to work towards a more inclusive and equitable society. The story of Queen City is a testament to the power of community and the importance of preserving our collective history.
