Absolon Kent

ANNANDALE, Va. — At an ordinary intersection I drive through regularly, a historical marker tells a fascinating Civil War story involving Robert E. Lee’s family, military occupation, and a daring band of Confederate Rangers.

The historic Ravensworth marker in Annandale, Virginia, tells the story of Ravensworth, the home of Anna Maria Fitzhugh. Built around 1796, the mansion later provided a temporary safe haven for Mary Randolph Custis Lee, the wife of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, at the beginning of the Civil War in 1861.

As the war unfolded, Ravensworth found itself caught between two armies. The property endured military occupation, the seizure of resources, and the challenges of living so close to the nation’s capital during a time of deep division. Confederate Major John S. Mosby and his Rangers even slept in a haystack on the property in 1863. The historic home ultimately burned in 1926.

Standing at this marker today, amid the everyday activity of Northern Virginia, I’m reminded of how much history lies along our daily routes. The past isn’t always found in museums or preserved buildings—sometimes, it’s right beside a busy road.

#TodaysAdventure #GetOutside #JustMe #KENTCANDO #AmericanHistory #VirginiaHistory #CivilWarHistory #MyAnnandale #MyDMV

SPRINGFIELD, Va. — During the New Deal era, the Civilian Conservation Corps established racially segregated camps across the South and border states. The Depression-era Colored CCC camp at Fort Belvoir (Army 3 VA-2399 C) was home to African American enrollees who constructed fire trails and other conservation infrastructure throughout Fairfax County's forests. Like all Colored CCC camps, the Fort Belvoir unit operated under federal segregation policies, reflecting the compromise that President Franklin D. Roosevelt made with Southern Democrats to secure passage of New Deal legislation.

Today, the Fairfax County historical highway marker near the Lake Accotink Park Headquarters building acknowledges both the labor contributions of these men and the discriminatory system under which they served.

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WASHINGTON — The Anacostia Community Museum focuses on exploring social issues impacting urban communities, particularly African-American neighborhoods. With a strong emphasis on community engagement, it serves as a platform for local voices, storytelling, and advocacy, fostering discussions on topics such as gentrification, environmental justice, and social equity. The museum highlights the rich cultural heritage and contemporary experiences of communities through exhibitions, research, and public programs.

Established in 1967, the museum is a part of the Smithsonian Institution. It's collections and initiatives aim to inspire civic responsibility and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of history, culture, and community life.

#Smithsonian #TodaysAdventure #MyDMV #GetOutside #JustMe #KENTCANDO

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