lorton va history: The History Of Lorton VA Includes Millions Of Bricks
- 12/28/12 02:06 AM
This photo shows just one of the brick walls that surrounded the DC Reformatory in Lorton VA. What many folks new to the Lorton area don't know is that the bricks used to make these wall and the buildings of the former DC Reformatory were produced by the inmates themselves. The eight brick kilns on the property were considered some of the best on the east coast and between 1925-1927 it is estimated the inmates made over 4.2 million bricks. The kilns were located on the banks of the Occoquan River making it easier for bricks not used for the … (3 comments)
lorton va history: Play Ball Under The Watchful Eye Of The Prison Guards
- 11/25/12 09:19 AM
It's not often you find a baseball field under the watchful eye of a guard tower. In this case the ball field is part of the land that used to make up the 3200 acre DC Reformatory in Lorton VA.When the reformatory was in full operation the ball field was well used not only by prisoners playing games but teams consisted of prison guards and inmates together. Local high school and minor league baseball teams would also play against the inmates as well.In June 1959 Grammy winner Ella Fitegerald performed at the baseball field with almost 2,000 inmates crowding the … (6 comments)
lorton va history: Barrett House Standing in Lorton Since 1891
- 10/12/12 09:58 AM
Barrett House today stands empty and surrounded by fencing to keep out intruders. However, since the early twentieth century the home located on Ox Road in Lorton has stood watching the changes to the surrounding area. Originally the property where Barrett House sits was part of a 3,500-acre tract granted by Lord Fairfax in England to Virginia colonist Robert Carter, Jr. in 1729. Over the years the land was divided and subdivided by various owners. Around 1891 Barrett House was constructed on 258 acres and used as a country home for a DC based lumber merchant. A few more ownership changes … (9 comments)
lorton va history: Like Oil and Vinegar-Inmates and Nike Missles In Lorton VA
- 08/04/12 12:01 PM
My friends accuse me of making some of these little facts about Northern Virginia up. Nope the stories are all real....well okay the one about the Bunny Man Bridge in Clifton...not so much. However the story of the DC Reformatory located in Lorton VA being the site of the Army's premier showcase for the nationwide Nike program unveiled in 1954 is true. One of the big issues that the government faced when it was trying to build defenses against the threat of a nuclear attack from the USSR was acquiring the land necessary to develop missile defense sites. Since the Army … (41 comments)
lorton va history: Barrett House-A Lorton VA Historic Landmark
- 12/03/11 05:53 AM
Barrett House today stands empty and surrounded by fencing to keep out intruders. However, since the early twentieth century the home located on Ox Road in Lorton has stood watching the changes to the surrounding area. Originally the property where Barrett House sits was part of a 3,500-acre tract granted by Lord Fairfax in England to Virginia colonist Robert Carter, Jr. in 1729. Over the years the land was divided and subdivided by various owners. Around 1891 Barrett House was constructed on 258 acres and used as a country home for a DC based lumber merchant. A few more ownership changes … (3 comments)
lorton va history: Good Fences Made Good Neighbors-The Former DC Reformatory In Lorton VA
- 09/19/11 03:41 PM
This photo shows just one of the brick walls that surrounded the DC Reformatory in Lorton VA. What many folks new to the Lorton area don't know is that the bricks used to make these wall and the buildings of the former DC Reformatory were produced by the inmates themselves. The eight brick kilns on the property were considered some of the best on the east coast and between 1925-1927 it is estimated the inmates made over 4.2 million bricks. The kilns were located on the banks of the Occoquan River making it easier for bricks not used for the … (10 comments)
Once this tower stood watch over the DC Correctional Youth Detention Facility in Lorton VA. Today it stands watch over Giles Run Meadow Park and part of the Laurel Hill Golf Course. Instead of keeping youth in Giles Run Meadow encourages youth to get outside with mountain bike trails, Frisbee Disc Golf and fishing. Thank heavens times have changed in Lorton VA. … (8 comments)
lorton va history: Silverbrook Methodist Church-Another Big Piece of Lorton Virginia History
- 01/11/11 10:00 AM
At the turn of the century in Lorton Virginia a small group of 22 people created a Sunday school at the one room school house on Silverbrook Road. Prior to the building of Silverbrook Methodist Church residents of the Lorton area had to walk 5 miles to attend church. In 1906 as the area grew it was decided it was time to build a church to accommodate the growing population in the area. Wanting to stay in Lorton the church was able to buy a piece of property just down the road from the school house for the incredible price … (7 comments)
lorton va history: Nike Missles and Inmates An Unlikely Combination in Lorton VA
- 12/23/10 02:29 AM
My friends accuse me of making some of these little facts about Northern Virginia up. Nope the stories are all real....well okay the one about the Bunny Man Bridge in Clifton...not so much. However the story of the DC Reformatory located in Lorton VA being the site of the Army's premier showcase for the nationwide Nike program unveiled in 1954 is true. One of the big issues that the government faced when it was trying to build defenses against the threat of a nuclear attack from the USSR was acquiring the land necessary to develop missile defense sites. Since the Army … (8 comments)
lorton va history: Lorton Workshouse Arts Center-Moving Forward in 2011 With More Prison Building Conversions
- 12/22/10 03:34 AM
Yesterday was the ceremonial ground breaking for three new buildings at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center. The three new buildings are Phase II of the conversion of the old DC Reformatory buildings into a thriving arts community in Northern Virginia. The first buildings opened in September 2009 include artist studios and gallery space. Classes and events are held regularly throughout the year and the Lorton Workouse Arts Center has quickly become a valuable addition to the area. In 2011 three more buildings will be converted to continue the growth of the center. It may sound like an easy task but … (5 comments)
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