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Virginia State Highway 7

Virginia State Highway 7

rightVirginia State Highway 7 (also known simply as Route 7) is a major surface highway and busy commuter route in Northern Virginia. It extends from Virginia State Highway 400 in Alexandria to U.S. Highway 11 in Winchester. Route 7 passes through many economically important Virginia communities and is a main street (if not the main street) in most of those communities. Among those communities are Alexandria, Bailey's Crossroads, Seven Corners, Falls Church, Tysons Corner, Leesburg, and Berryville. Route 7 is called King Street inside the city limits of Alexandria, Leesburg Pike in Fairfax County, and Harry Byrd Highway in Loudoun County. In addition to numerous at-grade intersections, Route 7 has off-level interchanges with the following routes:
- Interstate 395
- Columbia Pike (VA 244)
- U.S. Highway 50
- Interstate 66
- Interstate 495 (Capital Beltway)
- Virginia State Highway 123
- Virginia State Highway 267
- Fairfax County Parkway
- Cascades Parkway (Secondary Route 1794)
- Algonkian Parkway (Secondary Route 1582)
- Virginia State Highway 28
- U.S. Highway 15 bypass in Leesburg Route 7 splits into business and bypass routes three times in Loudoun County. West of Interstate 395, Route 7 is part of the National Highway System. Category:Alexandria, Virginia Category:Clarke County, Virginia Category:Fairfax County, Virginia Category:Frederick County, Virginia Category:Loudoun County, Virginia 007

Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia is a regional area consisting of Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, and Stafford counties and the independent cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Manassas, and Manassas Park. Together with Washington, D.C. and parts of Maryland and West Virginia, it makes up the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area, the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the country. The Northern Virginia area forms part of the Virginia portion of the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV MSA, a Metropolitan Statistical Area. Northern Virginia as a whole is very wealthy and the richest area in Virginia.

Demographics

1.9 million people (about 1/4th of Virginia's total population) live in Northern Virginia. The racial breakdown of the population of Northern Virginia is as follows:
- 66% White
- 11% Hispanic
- 11% Black
- 9% Asian
- 3% mixed race.

Politics

Despite being the home of The Pentagon and well over 100 defense contracting companies, Northern Virginia is becoming known for being more liberal in its voting patterns than the rest of Virginia, which is more conservative. In the 2004 presidential elections, 53% of Northern Virginia voters voted for John Kerry, the Democratic candidate, and 46% voted for George W. Bush, the Republican candidate. This contrasted with the rest of Virginia, where 43% of voted for John Kerry and 56% for George Bush. Kerry also carried Fairfax County, the most populous county in Virginia, and Fairfax City, the first time those jurisdictions had voted Democratic in 40 years. The strongest support in the area for the Democrats lies inside the Beltway, in Arlington, Alexandria, and parts of Fairfax County. The more distant areas (i.e., Loudoun County and Prince William County) are generally more conservative though as they have increased in population they have also become more liberal. The 8th, the 10th, and the 11th congressional districts lie within Northern Virginia. The 8th district votes overwhelmingly Democratic while the other two districts generally elect Republican congressmen but by smaller margins. The current congressman from the 8th district is Jim Moran (D), the current congressman from the 10th district is Frank Wolf (R), and the current congressman from the 11th district is Tom Davis (R). All three districts have moved toward the Democratic Party in recent years, though the Republicans Wolf and Davis have not yet seen serious threats to their seats. In the 2005 Gubernatorial election, the entire region continued to move away from the Republicans. Fairfax County, Arlington County, the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax City, and Falls Church, and for the first time, Loudoun County and Prince William County, went to Tim Kaine, the Democratic candidate. The area continued to be more Democratic the closer it was to Washington, DC, but Richmond native Kaine was able to accomplish what Northern Virginian Mark Warner had been unable to do just four years earlier in 2001: carry Loudoun County and Prince William County (as well as win over 60% of the vote in Fairfax County).

Culture

Northern Virginia is widely considered to be more Northern in its culture than the rest of Virginia. This can be attributed to the movement of Northerners to the area and its location near Washington D.C. Northern Virginia's population is ethnically diverse with significant number of Pakistani-Americans, Indian-Americans, Korean-Americans, Vietnamese-Americans, Salvadoran, Peruvian, Bolivian, Somali and Ethiopian immigrants. There are large numbers of restaurants, and international food of nearly any type is easy to find. Immigrants have established many shops and many in ethnic centers. Due to the proximity to the capital, many Northern Virginians go to Washington D.C. for cultural outings. The Kennedy Center is a popular place for performances as is Wolf Trap Park in Vienna. Nissan Pavilion and the MCI Center serve as popular concert venues and MCI Center also serves as the home of sporting events. Smithsonian museums also serve as local cultural institutions with easy proximity to Northern Virginia and the new Udvar-Hazy center of the National Air and Space Museum at Dulles Airport is popular as well. Tysons Corner Center ("Tysons I") is one of the largest malls in the country and is a hub for shopping in the area. Tysons Galleria ("Tysons II"), its counterpart across Dolly Madison Boulevard, carries higher-end stores. Other malls include Springfield Mall, Fair Oaks Mall, and The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City. Reston Town Center and Dulles Town Center serve the newer suburbs near Reston and eastern Loudoun county and are different from traditional malls. Potomac Mills is also one of the largest malls in the region and is located in Prince William County. The Town of Leesburg, in Loudoun County, is locally famous for its outlet mall, Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets. Fairfax County is the second-richest county in the nation with an outstanding public school system, including Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, an award-winning magnet school. Since the mid-1990s, Loudoun County has become known as America's fastest-growing county.

Transportation

Loudoun County.]] The area has two major airports, Washington Reagan National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport. While flights from the older National Airport are restricted for distance, frequency, and flight paths due to the proximity to federal facilities, Dulles is the fastest-growing airport in the world, and as of this writing is number five in terms of aircraft movement. In recent years it has become a major center for low-cost flights as it is the primary hub of Independence Air as well as a major hub for jetBlue, Ted, and others. Commuters are served by the Washington Metro subway and the Virginia Railway Express, a commuter railroad. Metro is the second-busiest subway system in the nation; only New York City's subway system carries more passengers. A planned expansion project will, if built, extend the system past Dulles Airport. Bus service is provided by WMATA's Metrobus and many local jurisdictions also provide bus service. Major highways include interstates 495 (Capital Beltway), 95, 395, and 66; US routes 1, 29, and 50; and local routes Fairfax County Parkway and Franconia-Springfield Parkway. High-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes are used for commuters and buses in I-66 and I-95/395. (Also see slugging.) Northern Virginia suffers from severe road congestion. The congestion consistently ranks with Los Angeles, California and San Francisco, California as one of the worst three areas in the nation. To alleviate gridlock, local governments encourage using Metro, HOV, carpooling, and other forms of mass transportation. The conditions are only getting worse, however, as the population skyrockets. The roads are one of the biggest local issues. The current reconstruction of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge near Alexandria on the portion of the Capital Beltway which also carries Interstate 95 into Maryland will double the traffic lanes at that particular bottleneck area. Several public-private partnership proposals to increase capacities of the Beltway and Interstate 95 south of Springfield to be funded through collection of tolls are under consideration by VDOT. On November 5, 2002, voters rejected a referendum to raise the sales tax to pay for transportation improvements[http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&contentId=A10828-2002Nov5¬Found=true]. The measure was criticized as a subsidy for developers, who would merely build more houses along the new roads and add to the congestion[http://www.nosprawltax.org/].

Economy

In recent years, Northern Virginia has become so filled with technology companies that it is often referred to as the "Silicon Valley of the East." The best-known of these technology companies is AOL. This economic boom has attracted many people from outside the region, from all over the country and throughout the world. The region has recovered relatively quickly from the effects of the dot com bubble. It also is a desirable spot for defense contractors because of the Pentagon and the proximity to the national capital. The Federal government is a large employer in Northern Virginia and Northern Virginia is also home to several government agencies such as the CIA and the Pentagon, headquarters of the Department of Defense. The Federal Government helps to prevent Northern Virginia from feeling the effects of recessions. The Northern Virginia Royals USL soccer team calls Woodbridge home.

External link


- [http://www.virginia-home.com Virginia Relocation Directory]
- [http://www.pwconserve.org Prince William Conservation Alliance]

Reference


- Melton, R.H.: [http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&contentId=A10828-2002Nov5¬Found=true Voters Reject Roads Tax: Defeat Is a Major Loss for Gov. Warner], The Washington Post, Nov. 6, 2002. Category:Geography of Virginia

Alexandria, Virginia

is in the foreground, the Potomac River is in the background]] Potomac River to the south and west, and the Potomac River to the east]] Alexandria is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 128,284. It is located on the west bank of the Potomac River, six miles south of downtown Washington, DC. Like the rest of Northern Virginia, as well as southern Maryland, Alexandria has been shaped by its proximity to the nation's capital. It is largely populated by professionals working in the federal civil service, the U.S. military, or for one of the many private companies which contract to provide services to the federal government. The latter are known locally as beltway bandits, after the Capital Beltway, an interstate highway that circles Washington, D.C. One of Alexandria's largest employers is the U.S. Department of Defense. Others include the Institute for Defense Analyses and the Center for Naval Analyses. Alexandria is home to numerous associations, charities, and non-profit organizations including the national headquarters of groups such as the Salvation Army. The historic center of Alexandria is known as Old Town. It is a major draw for tourists and those seeking nightlife. Like Old Town, many Alexandria neighborhoods are high-income suburbs of Washington D.C. A 2005 assessed-value study of homes and condominiums found that over 40 percent were in the highest bracket, worth $556,000 or more. Alexandria landmarks include the George Washington Masonic National Memorial (also known as the Masonic Temple), Gadsby's Tavern, Christ Church, the Little Theatre, the Torpedo Factory, Market Square, Robert E. Lee's boyhood home, the John Carlyle House and the Virginia Theological Seminary. In 2005, Alexandria became one of the first cities of its size to offer free wireless internet access to some of its residents and visitors. Market Square in Old Town was once the site of the second-largest slave market in the United States. Today it contains a large fountain and extensive landscaping, as well as a weekly farmers' market. Alexandria's public high school, T.C. Williams, and its legendary former football coach, Herman "Mad Dog" Boone, were featured in the 2000 motion picture, "Remember the Titans."

Geography

Remember the Titans Alexandria is bounded on the east by the Potomac River, on the north and northwest by Arlington County, and on the south by Fairfax County. The western portions of the city were annexed from those two entities beginning in the 1930s. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 39.9 km² (15.4 mi²). 39.3 km² (15.2 mi²) of it is land and 0.6 km² (0.2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.49% water.

Areas in Alexandria

Old Town

Old Town, in the eastern and southeastern areas of Alexandria and on the Potomac River, is the oldest section of the city, originally laid out in 1749, and is an historic district. Old Town is chiefly known for its historic (and expensive) town houses, its art galleries and antique shops, and its restaurants and nightlife, although it is in reality a diverse area that includes substantial public housing. Old Town is laid out on a grid plan of substantially square blocks.

Del Ray

The area to the northwest of Old Town, formerly in the separate town of Potomac, is popularly known as Del Ray, although that name properly belongs to one of many communities (including Hume, Mount Ida, and Saint Elmo) in that area. The housing stock is a mix of single-family houses, duplexes, townhouses, and apartment buildings. The community has a more hipster and boho flair than Old Town. While diverse, it has experienced substantial gentrification since redevelopment began in Potomac Yard in the mid-1990s. Del Ray is laid out in a grid plan independent of that of Old Town, with long, narrow blocks.

West End

Alexandria's West End includes areas annexed in the 1950s. It is the most typically suburban part of Alexandria, with a street hierarchy of winding roads and culs-de-sac. The section of Duke Street in the West End is known for a high-density residential area known to locals as the "Condo Canyon" and for its concentration of both strip and enclosed shopping malls.

Addresses

The addressing system in Alexandria is not uniform and reflects the consolidation of several originally separate communities into a single city. In Old Town Alexandria, building numbers are assigned north and south from King Street and west (only) from the Potomac River. In the areas formerly in the Town of Potomac, such as Del Ray and St. Elmo, building numbers are assigned east and west from Commonwealth Avenue and north (only) from King Street. In the western parts of the city, building numbers are assigned north and south from Duke Street. The ZIP code prefix 223 uniquely identifies the Alexandria postal area. However, the Alexandria postal area extends well into Fairfax County and includes more addresses outside of the city than inside of it. Delivery areas have ZIP codes 22301 through 22312, 22314, and 22315, with other ZIP codes in use for post office boxes and large mailers. ZIP codes are not assigned in any particular geographic order.

Demographics

The Census Bureau designates Alexandria as part of the Washington-Baltimore, DC-MD-VA-WV Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area (CMSA). As of the census of 2000, there are 128,283 people, 61,889 households, and 27,726 families residing in the city. The population density is 3,262.9/km² (8,452.0/mi²). There are 64,251 housing units at an average density of 1,634.2/km² (4,233.2/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 59.79% White, 22.54% African American, 0.28% Native American, 5.65% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 7.38% from other races, and 4.27% from two or more races. 14.72% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. There are 61,889 households out of which 18.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 32.2% are married couples living together, 9.2% have a female householder with no husband present, and 55.2% are non-families. 43.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 6.8% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.04 and the average family size is 2.87. In the city the population is spread out with 16.8% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 43.5% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 9.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 93.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 91.7 males. The median income for a household in the city is $56,054, and the median income for a family is $67,023. Males have a median income of $47,514 versus $41,254 for females. The per capita income for the city is $37,645. 8.9% of the population and 6.8% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 13.9% of those under the age of 18 and 9.0% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Transportation

Roads

Alexandria is bisected north and south by Virginia State Highway 7, known in most of the city as the major thoroughfare of King Street, and in its western portions as Leesburg Pike. Interstate Highway 95/495 (the Capital Beltway), including the Woodrow Wilson Bridge over the Potomac, approximately parallels the city's southern boundary with Fairfax County. Interstate 395 crosses through the western part of the city. Other major routes include U.S. Highway 1, named Jefferson Davis Highway and Patrick and Henry Streets (after Patrick Henry), the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and Duke Street (Virginia State Highway 236).

Airports

Alexandria is located just south of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington County. As with other Washington suburbs, Alexandria is also served by Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Virginia, and by Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport near Baltimore, Maryland.

Rail

Alexandria Union Station, the city's historic train station, is served by both Amtrak intercity and Virginia Railway Express regional rail service. The station is directly adjacent to the King Street Metrorail station, at the convergence of the Blue and Yellow Lines. Three other Metrorail stations lie within the city limits: Braddock Road, Van Dorn Street, and Eisenhower Avenue. The traditional boundary between Old Town and the latterly annexed sections of the city followed the railway now owned by CSX Transportation.

Buses

The city government operates its own mass transit system, the DASH bus, connecting points of interest with local transit hubs. Metrobus also serves Alexandria.

History

The City of Alexandria, first known as Belhaven, was named in honor of John Alexander, who in the last quarter of the 17th century had bought the land on which the city now stands from Robert Howison; the first settlement here was made in 1695. Alexandria was laid out in 1749 and was incorporated in 1779. A portion of the City of Alexandria shares with all of today's Arlington County the distinction of having been originally in Virginia, ceded to the U.S. Government to form the District of Columbia, and later reattached to Virginia by the federal government in 1846, when the District was reduced in size to exclude the portion south of the Potomac River. From 1790 until 1846, Alexandria County was a part of the District of Columbia; the City of Alexandria was re-chartered in 1852. The City of Alexandria became independent of Alexandria County in 1870. The remaining portion of Alexandria County changed its name to Arlington County in 1920, ending years of confusion. See article on Arlington, Virginia for more information. In 1930, Alexandria annexed the Town of Potomac. That town, adjacent to Potomac Yard, had been laid out beginning in the late 19th century and incorporated in 1908.

Revolutionary War

In 1755 General Edward Braddock organized his fatal expedition against Fort Duquesne at Alexandria, and here, in April of the same year, the governors of Virginia, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland met to determine upon concerted action against the French in America. In March 1785, commissioners from Virginia and Maryland met here to discuss the commercial relations of the two states, finishing their business at Mount Vernon on the 28th with an agreement for freedom of trade and freedom of navigation of the Potomac. The Maryland legislature in ratifying this agreement on November 22 proposed a conference among representatives from all the states to consider the adoption of definite commercial regulations. This led to the calling of the Annapolis Convention of 1786, which in turn led to the calling of the Federal Convention of 1787. In 1790, Alexandria was included in the area chosen by George Washington to become the District of Columbia. During the War of 1812, Alexandria surrendered to a British fleet in 1814 without a fight. As agreed in the terms of surrender the British looted stores and warehouses of mainly flour, tobacco, cotton, wine and sugar [http://oha.ci.alexandria.va.us/archaeology/decades/ar-decades-1810.html].

Return to Virginia

Over time, a movement grew to separate from Alexandria from the District of Columbia. As competition grew with the port of Georgetown and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal favored the north side of the Potomac, the city's economy stagnated. In addition, many in Alexandra hoped to benefit from land sales and increased business from the federal government, but it had no need for the land south of the river. In addition, its residents had lost representation and the right to vote at any level of government. Alexandria was also an important port and market in the slave trade there was increasing talk of abolition of slavery in the national capital, and the economy would suffer greatly if slavery was outlawed. At the same time, there was an active abolition movement in Virginia, and the state's General Assembly was closely divided on the question of slavery (resulting in the formation of West Virginia eighteen years later by the most anti-slavery counties) and Alexandria and Alexandria County would provide two new pro-slavery representatives. After a referendum, voters petitioned Congress and Virginia to return the area to Virginia. The area was retroceded to Virginia by on July 9, 1846.[http://www.citymuseumdc.org/gettoknow/faq.asp]

American Civil War

At the opening of the American Civil War, the city was occupied by Federal troops until the end of the war, making it the longest held city during the war. Great excitement throughout the North was caused by the killing (May 24, 1861) of Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth (1837-1861) by Captain James W. Jackson, a hotel proprietor, from whose building Ellsworth had removed a Confederate flag. After the establishment of the state of West Virginia in 1863, and until the close of the war, Alexandria was the seat of what was known as the "Alexandria Government."

Twinning

Alexandria maintains cultural, economic and educational ties with Dundee, Scotland.

References


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Recreation

The city has a distributed park system with approximately 950 acres spread across 70 major parks and 30 recreation center of which Chinquapin is one the largest, offering facilities for swimming, tennis, racquetball and other sports. The city also organizes several sports leagues throughout the year including volleyball, softball and basketball. Alexandria is also unusual in that Cameron Run Regional Park includes a water park with a wave pool and water slides, as well as a miniature golf course and batting cage -- facilities usually operated by private companies. A portion of the Mount Vernon Trail, a popular bike path, runs through Old Town near the Potomac River.

Education

The city is served by the Alexandria City Public Schools system and by the Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College.

External links


- [http://ci.alexandria.va.us/ City of Alexandria]
- [http://www.funside.com/ Alexandria, Virginia, Guide]
- [http://oha.ci.alexandria.va.us/ Historic Alexandria]
- [http://photos.historical-markers.org/va-alexandria Alexandria's Historical Markers]
- [http://oha.ci.alexandria.va.us/oha-main/haq/ Historic Alexandria Quarterly] Category:Cities in Virginia Category:Washington, D.C. suburbs Category:U.S. National Historic Landmarks Category:History of the District of Columbia ja:アレクサンドリア (バージニア州)

Winchester, Virginia

Winchester is a city located in the state of Virginia. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 23,585. It is the county seat of Frederick County. The Bureau_of_Economic_Analysis combines the city of Winchester with surrounding Frederick county for statistical purposes.

Geography

Winchester is located at 39°10'42" North, 78°10'0" West (39.178355, -78.166771). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 24.2 km² (9.3 mi²). None of the area is covered with water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there are 23,585 people, 10,001 households, and 5,650 families residing in the city. The population density is 976.0/km² (2,526.7/mi²). There are 10,587 housing units at an average density of 438.1/km² (1,134.2/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 82.06% White, 10.47% African American, 0.24% Native American, 1.59% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 3.46% from other races, and 2.14% from two or more races. 6.47% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. There are 10,001 households out of which 25.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.5% are married couples living together, 11.7% have a female householder with no husband present, and 43.5% are non-families. 34.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.8% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.28 and the average family size is 2.93. In the city the population is spread out with 21.7% under the age of 18, 13.1% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 94.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.0 males. The median income for a household in the city is $34,335, and the median income for a family is $44,675. Males have a median income of $30,013 versus $24,857 for females. The per capita income for the city is $20,500. 13.2% of the population and 8.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 15.2% of those under the age of 18 and 6.9% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Interesting Facts

Winchester was the home town of Patsy Cline. Winchester is the location of the annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, which has been in existence since 1924 and draws approximately 250,000 visitors to the area. The festival includes a carnival, the longest fireman's parade and the third longest grand feature parade in the U.S., several dances and parties, and a coronation where the Apple Blossom Queen is crowned. Local school systems and many businesses close the Friday of Apple Blossom weekend. Winchester was the site of three major battles during the American Civil War
- First Battle of Winchester
- Battle of Winchester II
- Battle of Opequon

Sites on the National Register of Historic Places

See also


- List of City of Winchester, VA Streets

External links


- [http://www.ci.winchester.va.us City of Winchester]
- [http://www.winchesterva.org Winchester-Frederick County Chamber of Commerce]
- [http://www.thebloom.com Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival]
- [http://www.winchesteronline.com Winchester Online]
- [http://www.valleychatter.com ValleyChatter.com]
- [http://www.shenandoahvalley.com ShenandoahValley.com]
- [http://www.winchesterstar.com The Winchester Star] Category:Cities in Virginia Category:Geography of Virginia Category:Northwestern Turnpike Category:Winchester and Western Railroad

Bailey's Crossroads, Virginia

Bailey's Crossroads is an unincorporated community and census-designated place located in Fairfax County, Virginia. As of the 2000 census, the community had a total population of 23,166. 2000

Geography

Bailey's Crossroads is located at 38°50'58" North, 77°7'45" West (38.849474, -77.129093). According to the United States Census Bureau, the community has a total area of 5.3 km² (2.0 mi²). 5.3 km² (2.0 mi²) of it is land and none of the area is covered with water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there are 23,166 people, 8,547 households, and 4,965 families residing in the community. The population density is 4,363.1/km² (11,276.0/mi²). There are 8,813 housing units at an average density of 1,659.9/km² (4,289.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the community is 47.90% White, 10.85% African American, 0.54% Native American, 12.37% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 18.73% from other races, and 9.51% from two or more races. 37.11% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. There are 8,547 households out of which 29.5% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.4% are married couples living together, 11.2% have a female householder with no husband present, and 41.9% are non-families. 33.3% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.4% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.70 and the average family size is 3.40. In the CDP the population is spread out with 23.0% under the age of 18, 10.6% from 18 to 24, 37.1% from 25 to 44, 19.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.3% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 33 years. For every 100 females there are 106.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 106.3 males. The median income for a household in the community is $51,650, and the median income for a family is $51,490. Males have a median income of $35,130 versus $34,265 for females. The per capita income for the community is $24,091. 13.3% of the population and 10.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 18.4% of those under the age of 18 and 5.2% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

History of the Name "Bailey's Crossroads"

poverty line Bailey's Crossroads has never been part of the corporate limits of Falls Church, Virginia, but the Bailey family was long connected with the community. They were prominent members of the Dulin Methodist Church, and intermarried with many Falls Church people. Hachaliah Bailey moved here from New York state and on December 19, 1837, he purchased a tract of land on the outskirts of Falls Church including what is now the intersection of Leesburg Pike and Columbia Pike. On this tract he built a large house known as "Bailey's Mansion" or "Moray;" it was reputed to have contained 100 rooms. Circuses were part of the Bailey family business. Hachaliah's son Lewis Bailey (1795–1870) operated a travelling circus and is pioneered the use of canvas circus tents before eventually settling in 1840 to farm land in Bailey's Crossroads. Hachaliah's nephew George F. Bailey managed several shows, too, designing a tank in which a hippopotamus could be moved from place to place. Another nephew, Fred Harrison Bailey, recognized a potential circus talent in James Anthony McGuiness, later James Anthony Bailey, who united the Cooper and Bailey with Phineas Taylor Barnum's circus to form the Barnum and Bailey Circus, which later joined with the Ringling Brothers Circus to form the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus.

Population history of Bailey's Crossroads CDP from the U.S. Census Bureau


- 1970....7,295
- 1980...12,564
- 1990...19,507
- 2000...23,166

External links

Category:Unincorporated communities in Virginia Category:Fairfax County, Virginia Category:Washington, D.C. suburbs Category:Census-designated places in Virginia

Falls Church, Virginia

Falls Church is an independent city located in Virginia. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 10,377. This city is a part of the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area. A much larger number of people reside in Greater Falls Church and use Falls Church as their mailing address. The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the city of Falls Church (along with Fairfax City) with Fairfax county for statistical purposes. Although two stations on the Washington Metro subway system have "Falls Church" in their names, neither is in the City of Falls Church. (One is in Arlington County and the other is in Fairfax County.)

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.2 km² (2.0 mi²). None of the area is covered with water. Falls Church is the smallest county-level political subdivision in the United States by area and, obviously, the smallest by size in Virginia. The smallest independent city by population in Virginia is the City of Norton. While parts of neighboring Fairfax County share the Falls Church mailing address, the city remains an independent city. Falls Church also borders Arlington County. The church from which the city takes its name was first built in 1734 of wood. George Washington was one of the churchwardens. It continues to be part of the Episcopal Church, although it is also now affliated to the Anglican Communion Network.

History

For thousands of years, up to about 1667, Native Americans inhabited the area in and around present-day Falls Church. Today's Broad Street and Great Falls Street follow their prehistoric footpaths. In the late 17th century, settlers from the Tidewater region of Virginia began to migrate to the area. The former "Big Chimneys" house, located on Annandale Road about a block west of Maple Ave., was built in 1699. Thus 1699 is generally accepted as the founding date of Falls Church. In 1734 a wooden church was built to serve Truro Parish, which had been formed two years earlier from a larger parish centered in Quantico. By 1757, the building was commonly known as "The Falls Church", as it was along the main north-south road to the Great Falls on the Potomac. The present-day brick church, designed by James Wren replaced the wooden one in 1769, at which point it became the seat of the newly-formed Fairfax Parish. By the start of the American Civil War, Falls Church had seen an influx of Northerners seeking land and better weather. Thus the township's vote for Virginian secession was about 75% for, 25% against. The town changed hands several times during the early years of the war. Confederate General James Longstreet was headquartered at Home Hill (now the Lawton House on Lawton Street) following the First Battle of Manassas. The world's first wartime aerial reconnaissance was carried out from Taylor's Tavern (near Seven Corners) by Thaddeus Lowe and his hot-air balloon. Falls Church later became the world's first target of an aerially-directed bombardment, courtesy of Lowe and his balloon. Following Reconstruction, Falls Church was a sleepy rural community. It gained township status in 1875. A 1915 law passed by Commonwealth allowing segregation led to the establishment of the NAACP's first rural chapter, which successfully prevented the measure from being enforced in the area. In 1948, Falls Church became an independent city in order to control its own school system. Falls Church came to national attention during the Beltway Sniper Attacks, when Linda Franklin was shot dead at a Home Depot located in Fairfax County just outside of the Falls Church city limits.

Sites on the National Register of Historic Places

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there are 10,377 people, 4,471 households, and 2,620 families residing in the city. The population density is 2,013.4/km² (5,225.8/mi²). There are 4,725 housing units at an average density of 916.8/km² (2,379.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 84.97% White, 3.28% Black or African American, 0.24% Native American, 6.50% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 2.52% from other races, and 2.43% from two or more races. 8.44% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. There are 4,471 households out of which 30.1% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.1% are married couples living together, 8.6% have a female householder with no husband present, and 41.4% are non-families. 33.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.31 and the average family size is 3.01. In the city the population is spread out with 23.4% under the age of 18, 5.1% from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 28.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.2% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 94.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 89.9 males. The median income for a household in the city is $74,924, and the median income for a family is $97,225. Males have a median income of $65,227 versus $46,014 for females. The per capita income for the city is $41,051. 4.2% of the population and 2.8% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 4.3% of those under the age of 18 and 4.1% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Notable residents


- James Thurber, who had a childhood summer home here, where he lost his left eye in an accident.
- Dr. Milton Eisenhower, brother of Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower.
- Mitch Wallenstein, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Counterproliferation Policy
- Reza Pahlavi II, son of the Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, and the current pretender
- Ali al-Tamimi, convicted terrorist.

Education

The city is served by Falls Church City Public Schools:
- Mount Daniel Elementary School
- Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
- Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School
- George Mason High School (GMHS)

Trivia

Falls Church was the site of the first Roy Rogers fast food location; the restaurant opened in 1968.

External links


- [http://www.fallschurchva.gov/ City of Falls Church]
- [http://www.tfc2.org/ The Falls Church]
- [http://www.fcnp.com/ Falls Church News-Press]
- [http://www.vpis.org/ Falls Church Village Preservation and Improvement Society]
- [http://photos.historical-markers.org/va-fallschurch Falls Church's Historical Markers]
- [http://members.fortunecity.com/1stbell/bio.html James Thurber biography] Category:Cities in Virginia Category:Washington, D.C. suburbs

Tysons Corner, Virginia

Tysons Corner is an unincorporated place located in Fairfax County, Virginia, near Washington, DC. Recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau as a census-designated place, the community had a total population of 18,540 as of the 2000 census. It is home to Tysons Corner Center, a large shopping mall, and to a second, more upscale mall called Tysons Galleria, which is located across the street from Tysons Corner Center. As of 2005, Tysons Corner has 25.6 million square feet (2,400,000 m²) of office space and over four million square feet (400,000 m²) of retail space, making it an important business district in its own right and the classic example of an edge city.

Geography

edge city edge cityTysons Corner is located at 38°55'7" North, 77°13'47" West (38.918485, -77.229833). To local residents, Tysons Corner is the area around the intersection of VA-123 Chain Bridge Rd and VA-7 Leesburg Pike (which, as recently as the 1950s, was a quiet rural intersection flanked by a few small stores). Tysons Corner Center, a large shopping mall, is located here, and is oftentimes the only reason that nonresidents have heard of Tysons Corner. Tysons Corner also houses many smaller shopping centers (including the Tysons Galleria mall) and a significant number of car dealerships. In recent years, the influx of technology companies into Northern Virginia has brought many new office buildings and hotels to the Tysons Corner landscape. According to the United States Census Bureau, the community has a total area of 12.7 km² (4.9 mi²). 12.7 km² (4.9 mi²) of it is land and none of the area is covered with water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there are 18,540 people, 8,814 households, and 4,512 families residing in the community. The population density is 1,460.9/km² (3,782.5/mi²). There are 9,474 housing units at an average density of 746.5/km² (1,932.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the community is 71.20% White, 3.86% African American, 0.13% Native American, 17.73% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 1.26% from other races, and 5.74% from two or more races. 6.15% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. There are 8,814 households out of which 20.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.0% are married couples living together, 6.8% have a female householder with no husband present, and 48.8% are non-families. 39.0% of all households are made up of individuals and 7.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.10 and the average family size is 2.86. The age distribution of the community is: 17.8% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 40.3% from 25 to 44, 23.7% from 45 to 64, and 10.2% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 92.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.8 males. The median income for a household in the community is $74,151, and the median income for a family is $94,227. Males have a median income of $69,659 versus $49,321 for females. The community's per capita income is $47,292. 7.0% of the population and 5.5% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 8.3% of those under the age of 18 and 13.2% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

External links


- [http://www.fairfaxcountyeda.org/re_tysons.htm Tysons Corner, from the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority] Category:Fairfax County, Virginia Category:Census-designated places in Virginia Category:Unincorporated communities in Virginia Category:Washington, D.C. suburbs

Berryville, Virginia

Berryville is an incorporated town located in Clarke County, Virginia. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 2,963. It is the county seat of Clarke County.

Geography

Clarke County Berryville is located at 39°9'4" North, 77°58'57" West (39.150973, -77.982395). According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 4.7 km² (1.8 mi²). 4.7 km² (1.8 mi²) of it is land and none of the area is covered with water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there are 2,963 people, 1,239 households, and 783 families residing in the town. The population density is 635.6/km² (1,648.3/mi²). There are 1,312 housing units at an average density of 281.4/km² (729.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 84.54% White, 13.60% African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.57% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.13% from other races, and 1.05% from two or more races. 1.32% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. There are 1,239 households out of which 28.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.7% are married couples living together, 13.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 36.8% are non-families. 32.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 18.6% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.28 and the average family size is 2.90. In the town the population is spread out with 23.1% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 22.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 41 years. For every 100 females there are 81.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 74.1 males. The median income for a household in the town is $39,871, and the median income for a family is $52,176. Males have a median income of $38,750 versus $26,531 for females. The per capita income for the town is $20,337. 7.0% of the population and 4.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 6.5% of those under the age of 18 and 16.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

External links

Category:Clarke County, Virginia Category:Towns in Virginia

King Street, Alexandria, Virginia

King Street is a major road in Alexandria, Virginia, USA, and the heart of Old Town Alexandria. It extends westward from the Potomac River waterfront, becoming Leesburg Pike as it passes out of Alexandria. West of Washington Street (Virginia State Highway 400), King Street is Virginia State Highway 7. In Old Town Alexandria, King Street is the dividing line between north and south in the addressing system; in Alexandria's West End, the dividing line is Duke Street (Virginia State Highway 236). The Washington Metro has a King Street stop just west of Old Town, on the Blue and Yellow Lines. Category:Alexandria, Virginia

Fairfax County, Virginia

Fairfax County is a county of the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the United States. As of 2005, the estimated population of the county is 1,366,175; making it by far the most populous county in Virginia, and one of the largest in the United States. It is also the most populous jurisdiction in the Greater Washington Area, surpassing the population of Washington, D.C. by over 500,000 residents, and Baltimore by 300,000 residents. Its county seat is the independent city of Fairfax6. Fairfax County is the location of many suburbs of Washington D.C. and the county lies just outside of Washington D.C.

History

Fairfax County was formed in 1742 from the northern part of Prince William County. It was named for Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron (1693-1781), proprietor of the Northern Neck. In 1757, the northwestern two-thirds of Fairfax County became Loudoun County. In 1789 part of Fairfax County was ceded to the federal government to form Alexandria County of the District of Columbia. Alexandria County was returned to Virginia in 1846, reduced in size by the secession of the independent city of Alexandria in 1870, and renamed Arlington County in 1920. The Fairfax County town of Falls Church became an independent city in 1948. The Fairfax County town of Fairfax became an independent city in 1961. Located near Washington, D.C., Fairfax County was an important region in the Civil War. The Battle of Chantilly or Ox Hill, during the same campaign as the second battle of Bull Run, was fought within the county; Bull Run straddles the border between Fairfax and Prince William County. For most of the Civil War, Union troops occupied the county, though the population remained sympathetic to the Confederacy. The growth of the Federal Government in the years during and after World War II spurred rapid growth in the county. As a result, the once rural county began to become increasingly suburban. Other large businesses continued to settle in Fairfax County and the opening of Tysons Corner Center spurred the rise of Tysons Corner itself. The technology boom and a steady government-driven economy also created rapid growth and an increasingly growing and diverse population. The economy has also made Fairfax County one of the wealthiest counties in the nation.

Geography

ConfederacyFairfax County is bounded on the north and southeast by the Potomac River; across the river to the northeast is Washington, DC, across the river to the northwest is Montgomery County, Maryland, across the river to the southeast is Prince George's County, Maryland and Charles County, Maryland; it is also partially bounded on the north and east by Arlington County and the independent cities of Alexandria and Falls Church; it is bound on the west by Loudoun County; and on the south by Prince William County and the independent cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,053 km² (407 mi²). 1,023 km² (395 mi²) of it is land and 30 km² (12 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 2.85% water.

Government and politics

The county is divided into nine supervisor districts: Braddock, Dranesville, Hunter Mill, Lee, Mason, Mount Vernon, Providence, Springfield, and Sully. The supervisor districts each elect one supervisor to the Board of Supervisors which governs Fairfax County. There is also a Chairman elected by the county at-large. Fairfax County was once considered a strong Republican bastion in the suburbs of Washington, D.C.. However, Democrats have increasingly made inroads in Fairfax County in the past decade with Democrats now controlling the Board of Supervisors and the School Board (which is officially nonpartisan) as well as the Sheriff and Commonwealth Attorney offices. Democrats in Fairfax also control the majority of Fairfax seats in the House of Delegates and State Senate. Due in part to gerrymandering, Republicans retain control of two out of three congressional seats that include parts of Faifax County. Communities closer to Washington D.C. generally favor Democrats by a larger margin than the outlying communities. In 2000, 2001, and 2005 Fairfax County voted Democratic in the races for Senate and Governor, and by increasing margins. In 2004, John Kerry won the county; the first Democrat to do so since Lyndon Johnson in his 1964 landslide (Coincidentally that was the last time Democrats carried the state). Kerry defeated Bush in the county 53% to 46%. The fact that Republicans had won Virginia's largest county in every presidential election since 1968 is partly the reason why the Old Dominion has not voted for a Democrat since 1964. Because Fairfax County is now trending heavily in favor of the Democratic Party, the state may not be as reliably Republican in future elections. Democratic Governor-elect Tim Kaine carried Fairfax County with over 60% of the vote in 2005, leading him to win over 51% of votes statewide.

Demographics

As of the census2 of 2000, there are 969,749 people, 350,714 households, and 250,409 families residing in the county. The population density is 948/km² (2,455/mi²). There are 359,411 housing units at an average density of 351/km² (910/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 69.91% White, 8.57% Black or African American, 0.26% Native American, 13.00% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 4.54% from other races, and 3.65% from two or more races. 11.03% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. Fairfax County is home to more than 60,000 Koreans, particularly in the Annandale area, along with substantial groups of immigrants from other, primarily Asian, countries. There are 350,714 households, of which 36.30% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.40% are married couples living together, 8.60% have a female householder with no husband present, and 28.60% are non-families. 21.40% of all households are made up of individuals and 4.80% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.74 and the average family size is 3.20. In the county, the population is spread out with 25.40% under the age of 18, 7.50% from 18 to 24, 33.90% from 25 to 44, 25.30% from 45 to 64, and 7.90% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 98.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 96.20 males. The median income for a household in the county is $81,050, and the median income for a family is $92,146. Males have a median income of $60,503 versus $41,802 for females. The per capita income for the county is $36,888. 4.50% of the population and 3.00% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 5.20% of those under the age of 18 and 4.00% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line. Judged by median income, Fairfax County was the richest county in the country through the late 1990's but was recently overtaken by Douglas County, Colorado and is currently the second wealthiest county in the country--as judged by median household income.

Education

One of the primary attractions of Fairfax County is its public school system, perennially rated one of the best in the country. The average cost per student in 2004-05 is $11,022. The school system contains several high schools with Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate degree programs, in addition to a science and technology magnet school, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. It is one of a select few Virginia Governor's Schools. Fairfax County is the home to George Mason University.

Economy

The economy of Fairfax County is a robust service economy. Fairfax most heavily relies on the Federal Government. Many citizens work for the government or for contractors of the Federal Government. Defense contractors in particular are prominent. The government is the largest employer with Fort Belvoir in southern Fairfax being the county's single largest employer. The top 5 largest private employers are the Inova Health System, Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton, SAIC (Science Applications International Corporation) and Freddie Mac. Fairfax County also is home to several large companies such as Nextel, Gannett, Capital One, General Dynamics, NVR, and Freddie Mac.

Transportation

Roads

Several major highways run through Fairfax County including the Capital Beltway (I-495), I-66, I-95, and I-395. The American Legion Bridge connects Fairfax to Montgomery County, Maryland while the Woodrow Wilson Bridge connects Fairfax to Prince George's County, Maryland. The George Washington Parkway, Dulles Toll Road, and Fairfax County Parkway are also major arteries. Other notable roads include Braddock Road, Little River Turnpike, Virginia Route 123, US 50, US 29, and Virginia Route 28.

Air

Washington Dulles International Airport lies partly within Fairfax County and provides most air service to the county. Fairfax is also served by two other airports in the Washington area, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and BWI.

Public Transportation

Fairfax County operates its own bus service called the Fairfax Connector. It is also served by WMATA's metrobus service. Fairfax County is served by the Washington Metro. The Orange, Blue, and the Yellow lines all serve Fairfax County. In addition, VRE (Virginia Railway Express) also serves Fairfax County.

Towns, Independent Cities, and Other Localities

Three incorporated towns, Clifton, Herndon, and Vienna, are located within Fairfax County. The independent cities of Falls Church and Fairfax were formed out of areas formerly under the jurisdiction of Fairfax County, but are politically separate, despite the status of the City of Fairfax as county seat. Fairfax County contains an exclave located in the central business district of the City of Fairfax, in which many county facilities (including the courthouse and jail) are located. Other communities within Fairfax County are unincorporated places; Virginia law prohibits the creation of any new municipalities within any county with a population density of over 1,000 per square mile (which currently affects Fairfax and Arlington Counties in Northern Virginia, and Henrico County adjacent to Richmond).

Unincorporated Census Designated Places

The following localities within Fairfax County are identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as (unincorporated) Census-Designated Places: In addition, Fairfax County contains the following localities that are not Census Designated Places recognized by the Census Bureau:
- Fairfax Station
- Mason Neck

External links


- [http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/opa/ Fairfax County official website]
- [http://www.fxva.com/fxva/index.html Fairfax County Visitors Center]
- [http://www.fccc.org/main.html Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce]
- [http://www.celebratefairfax.org/index.asp Celebrate Fairfax]
- [http://icare.fairfaxcounty.gov/ Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration] - Property lookup database
- [http://www.fairfaxcountyeda.org/ Fairfax County Economic Development Authority]
- [http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ Fairfax County Government Website]
- [http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/ Fairfax County Public Library System]
- [http://www.fcps.k12.va.us/index.shtml Fairfax County Public Schools]
- [http://photos.historical-markers.org/va-fairfax/ Fairfax County's Historical Markers]
- [http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/ Official Site of the County of Fairfax] Category:Virginia counties Category:Washington, D.C. suburbs Category:Potomac River counties

Interstate 395 (District of Columbia-Virginia)

.]] Interstate 395 in Virginia is a 13 mile (21 km) long spur route that begins at a junction with Interstate 95 in Springfield, Virginia and ends in downtown Washington, District of Columbia. It passes underneath the National Mall near the United States Capitol and ends at a junction with U.S. Highway 50 at New York Avenue, roughly a mile (2 km) north of the Capitol tunnel.

History: Shirley Highway

The portion of Interstate 395 between The Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia and the interchange with Interstate 95 and the Capital Beltway at Springfield was originally part of the Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway, named for a Virginia Highway Commissioner, who died on July 16, 1941, just a few weeks after approving work on the new expressway. Originally Virginia Highway 350, the full-length of the Shirley Highway was opened on Sept. 6, 1949 from a point south of the Pentagon to Woodbridge, Virginia along what is now the Interstate 95 corridor. Shirley Highway featured the United State's first reversible bus lanes, a precursor to today's HOV lanes.

Interstate Highway through Washington

Original plans called for I-395 to cut straight through Washington, DC and connect with I-95 again in Maryland. Neighborhood opposition halted this plan in 1977, diverting planned funding to construction of the Washington Metro. I-395 now ends in Washington, D.C., at a traffic signal at U.S. Highway 50, which is New York Avenue, near Mount Vernon Square.

Springfield Interchange

The jumble of highways in Virginia where I-395, I-95, and the Capital Beltway meet is officially called the "Springfield Interchange," and unofficially as The Mixing Bowl.

HOV facility

A noteworthy feature, at least from the standpoint of local commuters, is a reversible, barrier-separated HOV facility, with its own entrances and exits, provided as a third roadway of Interstates 395 and 95 between Washington, D.C., and Virginia State Highway 234 in Prince William County, Virginia. During rush hour, the HOV facility operates in the direction of rush-hour traffic and is reserved for HOV-3 and certain other users. At other times, the HOV facility may be open to all traffic, but still in only one direction, or it may be closed to all traffic.

Potomac River: Arland D. Williams Jr. Memorial Bridge

I-395 and US 1 cross the Potomac River from Virginia to Washington DC on a 3-span bridge. This bridge is known for the Air Florida plane that hit one of its spans during an evening rush hour snowstorm in 1982. The oldest span, formerly the Rochambeau, is now named Arland D. Williams, Jr. Memorial Bridge in honor of Arland D. Williams Jr., a passenger of Air Florida Flight 90 who survived the crash, escaped from the sinking aircraft, and perished in the Potomac River while saving others from the icy waters.

External links


- [http://www.kurumi.com/roads/3di/i395.html#395dc Kurumi - I-395 Washington, D.C.; Virginia]
- [http://www.roadstothefuture.com/main.html Roads to the Future]
- [http://www.virginiadot.org/comtravel/hov-novasched.asp HOV in Northern Virginia, from the Va. Dept. of Transportation]
- [http://www.springfieldinterchange.com/ Springfield Interchange reconstruction, from the Va. Dept. of Transportation] 95-3 District of Columbia 95-3 95-3

U.S. Highway 50

United States Highway 50 is an east-west United States highway. As the "0" in its route number suggests, US 50 is a coast-to-coast route, or at least nearly so. Signs at both termini give the Maryland to California distance as 3,073 miles (4,946 km), though that mileage is based off of an older measurment and has likely changed due to bypasses, Interstate highway co-signings, and other realignments. US 50 serves both Jefferson City, Missouri, and Carson City, Nevada, two of only five state capitals not served by an Interstate highway. In Nevada, US 50 is known as "The Loneliest Road in America", due to the bleak terrain and very low traffic. This stretch is also home to "The Loneliest Payphone in America".

Termini

As of 2005, the highway's eastern terminus is in Ocean City, Maryland at the southern end of a barrier island, where it intersects Maryland State Highway 528. Its western terminus is in West Sacramento, California at an interchange with Interstate 80. The Sacramento terminus used to have a sign saying "US 50 East / Ocean City, MD / 3073 Miles". It was stolen by a fraternity sometime during 2002, and was replaced with a more ordinary mileage sign. When installed, the replacement erroneously listed the distance as 3,037 miles (4,888 km), but it was subsequently patched over with the correct mileage. [http://www.route50.com/sign_battle_saga.htm] US 50 once extended all the way to San Francisco, by going south through Stockton and then west to the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. This part was decommissioned in favor of Interstate 580.

States traversed

The highway passes through the following states:
- Maryland
- District of Columbia (via New York Avenue)
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Back into Maryland (for less than 10 miles)
- Back into West Virginia
  - US 50 is part of the Appalachian Development Highway System's Corridor D from Clarksburg, West Virginia to Parkersburg, West Virginia at the Ohio River
- Ohio
  - US 50 is part of the Appalachian Development Highway System's Corridor D from Parkersburg, West Virginia at the Ohio River to Cincinnati, Ohio
- Indiana
- Illinois
- Missouri
- Kansas
- Colorado
- Utah
- Nevada
- California

Alternate names and multiplexes

Maryland


- Known as Ocean Gateway from its eastern terminus to its multiplex with US 301
- Maryland State Highway 16 in Cambridge, Maryland
- U.S. Highway 301 from Queenstown, Maryland to Bowie, Maryland
- Blue Star Highway from the east end of the US 301 multiplex to Annapolis, Maryland
- Maryland State Highway 2 in Annapolis, Maryland
- Known as the John Hanson Highway from Annapolis, Maryland to Washington, DC
- Interstate 595 (unsigned) from Annapolis to the Capital Beltway in New Carrollton, Maryland

District of Columbia


- Known as New York Avenue from Maryland border to 6th Street NW
- U.S. Highway 1 along 6th St and part of Constitution Avenue (see Constitution Avenue article for a detailed explanation)
- Interstate 66 across the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge between Washington, D.C., and Arlington County, Virginia

Virginia, West Virginia


- Known as the Northwestern Turnpike from Winchester, Virginia to Parkersburg, West Virginia where it crosses the Ohio River.

Missouri


- Interstate 44 around St. Louis, Missouri

Kansas


- Interstate 35 from Lenexa, Kansas to Emporia, Kansas

Nevada


- Known as the Loneliest Road in America in Nevada.
- In Nevada it follows closely the route of the Pony Express
- U.S. Highway 6 from Ely, Nevada to Delta, Utah.
- U.S. Highway 93 (the "Great Basin Highway") from Ely, Nevada to junction near Great Basin National Park.
- Passes by ancient petroglyph sites at Grimes Point (just east of Fallon) and Hickison Petroglyphs (20 miles east of Austin).
- Passes by Sand Mountain, a six-hundred-foot high sand dune 25 miles east of Fallon.
- The Nevada Shoe Tree is two miles east of the roadhouse at Middlegate.

California

Legal Definition of Route 50: [http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/California_Streets_and_Highways_Code%2C_Chapter_2%2C_Article_3%2C_Section_301-635#Route_50 California Streets and Highways Code, Chapter 2, Article 3, Section 350]
- Known as the Lincoln Highway in California.
- Known as the Capital City Freeway sharing the route with Business Loop Interstate 80 between I-80 in West Sacramento and California State Route 99 in Sacramento.

Historic sites along US 50

Maryland


- Kent Island, Maryland, first English settlement within Maryland

Virginia


- Arlington National Cemetery
- Ox Hill Battlefield Park (site of the Battle of Chantilly during the United States Civil War)

West Virginia

Prior to the US Numbered Highway System it was West Virginia State Route 1

Hampshire County


- Hook's Tavern, 1790
- Frye's Inn, c. 1800
- Straw's Country Store Museum
- West Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind, 1846
- Historic Downtown Romney
- Indian Mound Cemetery
- Fort Mill Ridge Civil War Trenches
- The Burg, built c. 1769
- Sloan-Parker House (Stone House), built 1790

Mineral County

Sloan-Parker House
- Weaver’s Antique Service Station
- Claysville Church
- Patterson Creek Manor
- Saddle Mountain

Major water crossings

Associations Regarding US 50


- US 50 Association covering US 50 from Winchester, Virginia to Clarksburg, West Virginia

Alternate routes

As of 2004, Alternate US 50 in Nevada has an eastern terminus west of Fallon. It heads to the northwest to an intersection with Interstate 80 in Fernley, then turns due south with Alternate US 95. It rejoins US 50 in Silver Springs, with Alt US 95 continuing south. The two legs of Alt US 50 and the main line route form a 30 mile (48 km) triangle in the Nevada desert.

Related US routes


- U.S. Highway 150
- U.S. Highway 250
- U.S. Highway 350
- U.S. Highway 450
- U.S. Highway 550
- U.S. Highway 650

See also


- List of United States Highways

Sources and external links


- [http://www.geocities.com/usend5059/End050/end050.htm Endpoints of US highways] 050 050 Category:Grant County, West Virginia Category:Hampshire County, West Virginia Category:Mineral County, West Virginia Category:Northwestern Turnpike 050 050 050 050 050 50 050 050 050 050 050 050

Interstate 495 (Capital Beltway)

Interstate 495—widely known as the Capital Beltway or simply as the Beltway—is a freeway-class interstate highway which circles Washington, DC and its inner suburbs in Maryland and Virginia. It is the basis for the phrase "inside the Beltway", used when referring to issues dealing with American government and politics.

History

politics The federal government gave final approval for the construction of the Capital Beltway (also known as the Circumferential Highway in the planning stages) on September 28, 1955. The first section of the 64-mile long Beltway (including the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge over the Potomac River) was opened on December 21, 1961; the highway was completed on August 17, 1964. Originally designated I-495, in 1977 the eastern portion of the Beltway was re-designated I-95 when a proposed alignment of I-95 from New York Avenue in Washington, DC, through Prince George's County, Maryland to I-495 was cancelled. Motorists never fully adjusted to the two halves of the Beltway having different numbers, so in 1989 the I-495 designation was restored to the eastern portion, making it a dual I-95/I-495. Traveling clockwise, the Beltway is designated as the Inner Loop; traveling counter-clockwise, it is designated as the Outer Loop. The Beltway crosses the Potomac River twice, on the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge and on the American Legion Memorial Bridge.

Traffic congestion

Traffic volume on the Beltway can be as high as 225,000 vehicles per day. Despite numerous widening projects during its history, heavy traffic on the Beltway is a continuing problem. Two intersections on the Capital Beltway are ranked in the top 20 on a study of the "worst bottlenecks in the nation." They are the I-495 at I-270 interchange in Montgomery County, Maryland, ranked third overall, which receives 243,425 cars daily, and the I-495 at I-95 interchange in Prince George's County, Maryland, ranked 11th, with 185,125 cars. The Springfield Interchange, where I-395, I-95, and I-495 meet, was previously ranked fifth worst in the nation, but recent improvements have taken it off the top 20. Local commuters refer to the Springfield Interchange as "The Mixing Bowl," although this designation is reserved by highway officials for the even more complicated interchange complex adjacent to the Pentagon on the original Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway (currently better-known as Interstate 395) at Virginia State Highway 27 in Arlington. In April 2005, the Virginia Department of Transportation signed an agreement with two private companies to build high-occupancy toll lanes on the stretch of the Beltway between Springfield and Georgetown Pike. Maryland officials are considering such lanes on their segment of the Beltway, as well as other major commuter highways in the state.

Capital Beltway trivia

Even most local travelers around the entire loop are probably unaware that the circumferential roadway not only is located in the states of Virginia and Maryland, but also crosses briefly through a small portion of the District of Columbia in the Potomac River at the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge. [http://www.wilsonbridge.com/schedule_graphics/BRRainPock_0204.pdf] The Capital Beltway also interchanges with a "secret" unsigned section of the Interstate Highway System, the long lost Interstate 595 in Maryland, completed in 1995. This roadway is still signed as U.S. Highway 50. [ht