Absolon Kent

Whether your interest is in local history or you simply enjoy discovering places with meaningful stories, you will find that this is a museum that offers a deeper appreciation for Arlington's past and the people whose contributions continue to inspire today.

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VIENNA, Va. — Hidden among the neighborhoods of Tysons, the Carter Family Burial Plot is the last surviving physical reminder of the Carter family and the once-thriving Freedom Hill community.

In 1842, Keziah Carter, a woman of Tauxenent/Pamunkey ancestry, purchased 50 acres of land here after securing the freedom of her enslaved husband, Robert Carter. At a time when Black and mixed-race families faced extraordinary legal and social barriers to land ownership, the Carters established a home and farm that became the heart of Cartersville, one of Fairfax County's earliest free Black communities.

Their descendants left a lasting legacy. During the Civil War, Lucy Carter carried manumission papers to prove her free status and was granted special Union travel passes in 1864. Historians believe she may have served as a Union informant, helping support the Union cause during one of the nation's most turbulent periods.

Today, the Carter Family Burial Plot at 1737 Key West Lane, Vienna preserves the resting place of this pioneering family. Although only one headstone—Millie Carter Whales—remains visible, historical records indicate that several members of the Carter family are buried here. Preservation efforts continue to ensure that their story is not forgotten.

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VIENNA, Va. — Freedom Hill was one of Fairfax County's earliest free Black communities, where generations of free African American and mixed-race families built homes, farmed the land, and shaped their own future long before the Civil War.

Located near what is now Tysons, Freedom Hill earned its name from the unusually large number of free Black residents who called these hills home. Families such as the Carters and Dobsons established a thriving community through perseverance, manumission, self-purchase, and birth into freedom. Their proximity to Washington, D.C., provided opportunities and connections that helped sustain this extraordinary settlement.

During the Civil War, Freedom Hill's residents strongly supported the Union. In 1864–1865, Union soldiers constructed Redoubt Freedom Hill, a small fort overlooking Chain Bridge Road to help defend the approaches to Washington. Though the fort never saw major combat, its name permanently recognized the community's identity and legacy. Among the community's notable residents was Lucy Carter, a free woman of color who carried her manumission papers at all times and is believed by some historians to have served as a Union informant.

Today, visitors can explore Freedom Hill Fort Park (8531 Old Courthouse Road), where the original earthworks remain alongside interpretive exhibits installed in 2021 as part of Fairfax County's Untold Stories program. The exhibits honor the Carter, Dobson, and other Freedom Hill families while recognizing the community's Tauxenent heritage.

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WASHINGTON — Another great evening in DC as we previewed the newly reimagined Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. From legendary aviation milestones to the future of space exploration, it's always inspiring to experience the stories, technology, and innovation that have shaped our world—and continue to define what's next.

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