Potomac, Virginia Explained

Town of Potomac
Nrhp Type:hd
Designated Other1:Virginia Landmarks Register
Designated Other1 Date:December 11, 1991[1]
Designated Other1 Number:100-0136
Designated Other1 Num Position:bottom
Location:Roughly bounded by Commonwealth Ave., US 1, E. Bellefonte Ave. and Ashby St., Alexandria, Virginia
Coordinates:38.8269°N -77.0567°W
Nocat:yes
Built:1894
Architect:Multiple
Architecture:Colonial Revival, Bungalow/Craftsman, Queen Anne
Added:September 10, 1992
Refnum:92001186

Potomac is an extinct incorporated town formerly located in Arlington County, Virginia (then called Alexandria County). Today the dissolved town's former territory is located within the City of Alexandria after municipal annexation in 1930. As a planned community, its proximity to Washington D.C. made it a popular place for employees of the U.S. government to live. Potomac was located adjacent to the massive Potomac Yard of the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad.

History

The area was developed beginning in 1894 as the communities of Del Ray, St. Elmo, Mt. Ida, and Hume, following a grid plan independent of that of Old Town Alexandria. Potomac was incorporated as a town in 1908. In 1928, the town had 2,355 residents.

The Town of Potomac was annexed by the independent city of Alexandria in 1930. Today, the Town of Potomac Historic District in Alexandria designates this historic portion of the city, and includes 1840acres and 690 buildings. The Town of Potomac was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.

As of 2016, the United States Postal Service still recognizes "Potomac, VA" as an acceptable alternate address for ZIP code 22301, although "Alexandria, VA" is preferred.

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Virginia Landmarks Register. Virginia Department of Historic Resources. 2013-05-12.