Discover Arlington’s Native American History

For centuries, Indigenous peoples lived throughout this region, long before colonization, when diverse communities thrived across the land. The Clovis people are among the earliest known inhabitants of Virginia. According to the Arlington Historical Society, researchers have found evidence of Clovis technology from more than 10,000 years ago in every Virginia county.

For thousands of years, Indigenous nations lived relatively uninterrupted in Virginia (and throughout the United States) until the first European settlers arrived in the 1500s. At that time, three tribes (the Powhatan, the Monacan and Cherokee) were the most prevalent in Virginia. They spoke Algonquian, Siouan and Iroquoian, and lived along coastal waterways in woodlands and mountain valleys, according to Virginia Tourism Corporation.

In 1607, British explorer, John Smith, visited Northern Virginia during his many travels in the "New World." Here, he encountered Indigenous people and published a map of his discoveries and Virginia in 1612. This map documented more than 200 Indigenous towns, including one near today’s Pentagon and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The Potomac River, a lifeline for many communities, takes its name from the Patawomeck people who lived along its banks. The 17th century Patawomeck lived in the upper reaches of the Potomac River and might have actually lived in Arlington, says a curator for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.

Despite thriving cultures, Indigenous populations declined drastically during the Colonial Era due to disease, conflict, displacement, and discriminatory policies. Yet, Native Nations remain a vital part of Virginia today. In fact, 11 Nations are state-recognized, and seven have earned federal recognition, including the Patawomeck nation located in nearby Stafford County.

Although Arlington is not home to Indigenous Nations today, several local sites and resources highlight their history and contributions. You can also download the Guide to Indigenous D.C. for more places to visit!

Here are just some of the locations around Arlington where you can dive deeper into the area's Native American history:

1) National Museum of the American Indian

Start out your tour at the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) located on the National Mall. While not technically in Arlington, visitors are only a quick Metro ride away from this historical hub. Head to the second-floor walkway to view a series of panels focusing on the Maryland and Virginia tribes. Make sure to visit the exhibit “Americans,” which showcases how American Indian images, names, and stories infuse American history and contemporary life, and also discusses stereotypes.

In November 2020, the museum unveiled the new National Native American Veterans Memorial on the National Mall. Designed to honor service across generations, the memorial pays tribute to the American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian veterans and symbolize the country’s respect for Native Americans’ service and patriotism. The memorial honors and recognizes for the first time on a national scale the enduring and distinguished service of Native Americans in every branch of the U.S. military.

2) Gulf Branch Nature Center

Located in a 1920s fieldstone-and-quartz bungalow in Arlington’s Gulf Branch stream valley, the Gulf Branch Nature Center was once the site of a Native American fish camp. Arrowheads and other artifacts have been found in the park. Today, the nature center features an exhibit on the Woodland Indians who lived in the area. Find pottery, tools and other items from the ancient inhabitants, as well as a replica of the aforementioned John Smith’s map.

3) Little Falls Road

Little Falls Road, which goes through Arlington and the neighboring city of Falls Church, was originally believed to be an Indian trail that was put through the woods to get from one place to another. The road later became an important transportation route. Today, you can drive on Little Falls Road to see historic houses and picturesque neighborhoods.

4) Zitkála-Šá Park

This small Arlington County Park, with just under an acre (0.93) of space, features a picnic shelter, a multi-use athletic field, a full-sized basketball court, a rain garden, and play areas for pre-school and school-age children, and is also ADA accessible. The park is named to honor Zitkala-Ša (pronounced Zit-KA-la Sha), who was a prominent activist in the Indigenous community. She was a resident of 261 North Barton Street in Lyon Park and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

5) Charlie Clark Center for Local History

The Charlie Clark Center for Local History (CCCLH) collects, preserves, and shares resources that illustrate Arlington County’s history, diversity and communities. Learn more about local history makers, like Thomas Oxendine, long-time Arlington resident, and the first Native American Navy pilot, using their comprehensive physical and digital archives.

The Charlie Clark Center for Local History operates a public Research Room at Central Library and maintains the Arlington Community Archives, an off-site archival repository. Research consultations are available by advance appointment.

6) Arlington Historical Museum

The Arlington Historical Museum has several permanent exhibits that provide visitors an overview of the county’s rich history, which includes on-site exhibits about Arlington’s Native American history. The museum is open to the public on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.