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GEORGE WASHINGTON AIR JUNCTION - A GIGANTIC FLOP

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Executives

 

 

Henry Woodhouse purchased 1,500 acres of dairyland in Hybla Valley during the 1920's.

It was his objective to build the largest transatlantic commercial airport in the National Capital Area.  There were three runways with the largest being 7.200 feet long as well as moorings for Zeppelins.

  

Howver, the airport never received the necessary approvals - there is no record of any takeoffs or landings during its' operation.

 

 

 

 

 

The land was leased to dairy farmers until 1950 when the Virginia National Guard established an anti-aircraft battery in defense of Washington, D.C. on the site which operated until 1959.

In 1975 the land was sold to Fairfax County for $1.00.  It is now HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK, a major wetlands preserve with over 200 species of birds.  The picture at the upper right is a current day view of the park.

 

OTHER EXTINCT NORTHERN VIRGINIA AIRPORTS

BEACON FIELD AIRPORT   WOODBRIDGE AIRPORT

 

My husband and I have been working as a full time real estate team for 31 years.  We have assisted more than 1500 clients buy or sell real estate.  We want to put that experience to work for you.  Since this is also our home we can brief you on the many interesting places and activities available throughout Northern Virginia.  Visit MY WEBSITE or CONTACT ME

 

Comments(8)

Chris Frantz
EDU Real Estate Group - Indianapolis, IN

Karen

Very informative post, thanks for sharing a little history

   

 

 

Feb 23, 2008 09:39 AM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"
Chris,  It's easy to report on the existing historic sites that are in plain view, but I enjoy delving into the history that isn't always so obvious.  For example, I sold a home in Springfield years ago, because there was evidence of a Confederate trench in the backyard according to my Civil War history buff client.  Who am I to argue with an expert?  Karen
Feb 24, 2008 01:38 AM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

Karen those photos are a really neat piece of history! Interesting information.

Feb 24, 2008 02:46 AM
Kelsie Compton
Triangle Choice Realty, Inc. - Cary, NC
Cary NC Real Estate

Karen - Thanks for sharing a little piece of history.  The Huntley Meadows Park is a great use for that land!

Best Wishes,

Kelsie
www.TriangleChoiceRealty.com
www.TriangleBuyerAgent.com

Feb 24, 2008 02:53 AM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"
Bill,  Fortunately, the land was preserved for a very lovely wetlands park with duckboard walkways throughout.  They conduct very interesting tours at various times of the year.  Karen
Feb 24, 2008 04:07 AM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"
Kelsie,  It is always interesting to learn "what was" before an area went through suburban growth and progress and to realize what the different use of the land was in a prior period,  Karen
Feb 24, 2008 04:11 AM
Teri Eckholm
Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN
REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro
Karen--Well now it sounds like there are many takeoffs and landings of birds with its new use. Certainly much quieter than if it had been an airport...Sometimes things just work out for the best.
Feb 24, 2008 07:25 AM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"
Teri,  The wetlands park is a major attraction in our area - it is a regular haunt for the birdwatccing crowd as well as though who enjoy wetlands foliage
Feb 24, 2008 09:35 AM