In all the years we lived in Mount Vernon and shopped at Beacon Mall I wondered where the name originated.

The original 74 acre tract was purchased by an Alexandria businessman in the 18th century.  It changed hands over time and became the site of City View, an impressive 19th century estate.

The site (elevation 249 feet) was an ideal location for an airfield which was developed in the 1920's.  Originally, it was used by private pilots and the US Mail Service.

During Woeld War II it saw service as a training school for naval aviation cadets as well as the Womens Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) that ferried planes to relieve male pilots for combat duty. 

Once the war was over an accredited flight school was opened to provide pilot training under the G.I. Bill

Finally, the airport closed in 1959 to make way for Beacon Mall Center.

RELATED SITES

VILLAGE HARDWARE

HOLLIN HALL SHOPPING CENTER

Beacon Mall and the related sites prove not all interesting or historical sites are in the national registeries and frequented by tourists, but they are of interest to we "locals"

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