The U.S. post code we call home is many things, from “wealthiest post code” in the nation to the post code whose residents ordered the most copies of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows from amazon.com, to a handful of other odd accolades.
But we also have history. A young history relative to Vienna’s, but a history nevertheless. Union and Confederate troops traipsed across our boundaries during the Civil War, with the former Cherry Hill Plantation as both a spectator and participant. Now the farmhouse offers afternoon tea and occasional seasonal events.
In the first half of the 20th century the Williamsburg and Old Dominion (Virginia’s nickname) railroad crossed our main street. Today it is a 45 mile long bike trail, and our bridge keeps the cyclists moving over the traffic.

Once upon a time the District of Columbia extended west across the Potomac River into our city. That secure rock along our eastern city line is one of the original boundary stones.

Fort Taylor Park, also along our eastern city line. This small hilltop is the site of the first U.S. military aerial reconnaissance mission; Thomas Lowe’s observation ballon was launched here in 1861.

A late afternoon snap of the bell tower of The Falls Church, whose historic parishioners include America’s first president, George Washington; and Francis Scott Key, author of The Star Spangled Banner.

And lastly, a monument at Tinner Hill to the African-Americans who fought against segregated housing by forming the organization that would become the first rural branch of the NAACP.  There are three historic homes in the Tinner Hill neighborhood, as well, but they are occupied and so I did not wish to upset the residents by taking photos.