The Charlie Clark Center for Local History at Arlington Central Library houses five substantial, blue-bound volumes that detail the archives of the Arlington County Bicentennial Commission.
These records, spanning from 1974 to the end of 1976, played a pivotal role in coordinating local festivities to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States.
Inside, researchers can find meeting minutes, press releases, memoranda, and correspondence, providing a comprehensive overview of the commission’s activities.
The meticulous documentation even includes invoices for basic supplies, showcasing the financial aspects of the celebration, down to a 37-cent purchase of thumbtacks.
Notably, the final report sent to the County Board illustrates both the achievements and difficulties faced during what was Arlington’s most significant birthday celebration.
With the U.S. gearing up to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026, these relics offer a remarkable glimpse into the local history and efforts from nearly half a century ago.
The journey toward the Bicentennial began early, as evidenced by a meeting on September 10, 1971, where the Arlington Historical Society heard from Dr. John Sellers, a representative from the Revolutionary War Office at the Library of Congress.
During his presentation, Sellers encouraged the society to compile a list of local inhabitants from 1776, noting the scarcity of records from that time period.
He emphasized any local efforts would be invaluable, considering that Arlington was part of Fairfax County during the Revolutionary War.
Arlington’s transition through different jurisdictions included being incorporated into the District of Columbia in 1801 before returning to Virginia in 1847, eventually becoming independent from Alexandria in the 1870s.
Responding to the request made in 1971 to trace Revolutionary War ancestors, the Powhatan Springs Women’s Club initiated a genealogical project that led to the discovery of 150 county residents with familial connections to 1776.
The research unveiled several families with lineage tracing back to the Civil War, and a few even further to the Revolutionary War, illuminating Arlington’s rich historical tapestry.
In a July 2, 1976, edition of the Northern Virginia Sun, the results were celebrated through a “Heritage Census Honor Roll.”
Mrs. Vernon Pierce, a resident of N. Taylor Street, was highlighted for her exceptional lineage, tracing back 12 generations to Col. Joseph Ball, a relative of George Washington.
Another prominent family uncovered was that of Archie Syphax, whose ancestry linked to George Washington Parke Custis, demonstrating the interwoven history of these families within Arlington.
The Arlington County Bicentennial Commission, comprised of 12 members, worked diligently to spearhead the local celebrations.
Key figures involved included Margarite Syphax and Evelyn Syphax, whose legacies continue in Arlington’s civic life through their descendants.
Former state legislator Harrison Mann initially served as chair of the commission, though his term ended in September 1974 as he transitioned to a co-chair role on Rep. Joel Broyhill’s reelection campaign.
Following Mann’s departure, Edward Sayle, a retired CIA curator, took over the chairmanship and remained instrumental through the end of the commission’s activities.
In light of the economic challenges faced during the Bicentennial preparations, Sayle and the commission received scrutiny for their modest budget.
Despite the limited funds allocated by county leaders, Sayle emphasized the community’s spirit, stating, “In Arlington, the Bicentennial is not something you watch. It’s something you do!”
In December 1973, the County Board allocated $4,100 to hire a part-time coordinator, Rudy Richardson, who assisted with the administration of events leading up to the celebration.
The commission began releasing “Bicentennial Newsletters” in August 1974, gradually ramping up awareness and anticipation for the festivities.
An exciting milestone was reached with a contest for local students to design a Bicentennial logo, won by 16-year-old Karen Rusch from Woodlawn High School, who received a $100 prize.
Another engaging initiative was the community essay contest titled “What the Bicentennial Means to Me,” in which Paula Jean Richardson and Stephanie Kozinski emerged as winners, each earning a television.
Radio station WAVA, owned by Arthur Arundel, contributed to the Bicentennial momentum by offering free airtime for daily broadcasts, chronicling events that happened exactly 200 years prior.
This creative effort launched on January 1, 1975, underwritten by Virginia National Bank, with copies distributed to local schools for educational purposes.
On October 10, 1974, John Warner, the future U.S. Senator from Virginia, visited Arlington to deliver a Bicentennial flag to County Board Chair Joseph Wholey, adding a touch of federal recognition to local efforts.
Arlington’s first publicly-themed event linked to the Bicentennial occurred in November 1974 when The Arlington Players staged the musical “1776” at Thomas Jefferson Middle School.
To provide residents with insights into historical sites, the commission reissued a 40-page booklet detailing 52 historic locations, authored by Ludwell Lee Montague in 1968, showcasing Arlington’s layered past.
Additionally, a collaboration between the historical society and the Arlington Police Beneficiary Association produced a guide to local trails in honor of the Bicentennial.
Kicking off celebrations in 1976, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and the American Association of University Women hosted a “Bicentennial Salute” on February 8, promoting community engagement in the impending festivities.
On April 22, 1976, the Civic Federation planned a dinner titled “The Meaning of the Bicentennial for Our Nation” at Marymount University, inviting discussions about the significance of this milestone within the context of American history.
Schools were encouraged to embody the spirit of the Bicentennial through engaging initiatives, with Arlington Public Schools releasing a handbook filled with suggestions for their programs.
Local high school astronomy clubs offered creative presentations like “Time 200,” while private schools and colleges organized events focused on historical research and local contributions.
The celebration of Arlington’s African-American heritage was prominently featured, with churches such as Mount Zion and Macedonia leading research into their storied pasts and celebrating their cultural contributions.
Other organizations offered a variety of events, connecting the Bicentennial to existing anniversaries, such as the 110th celebration of Calloway United Methodist Church.
Performing arts troupes, including the Waldo Workshop Opera and Ars Colonia, hosted musical events to capture the Revolutionary spirit and enrich the local arts scene during this significant time.
Notably, summer receptions honored five centenarians born in 1876, marking half a century of the nation’s existence and bridging generations in the community’s celebrations.
In a bid for local environmental engagement, restoration efforts emerged led by the Powhatan Springs Women’s Club, focused on the historic Powhatan Springs site.
The Arlington Historical Society enhanced community connections by opening the Ball-Sellers House, the county’s oldest structure, to the public as a living museum of 18th-century life.
Efforts to welcome visitors to Arlington during the highly anticipated Bicentennial celebration involved various organizations collaborating to ensure a hospitable environment.
In June 1975, the Committee of 100 hosted a discussion titled “The Bicentennial: Opportunity or Nightmare?” addressing concerns about the region’s preparedness for the expected influx of tourists.
In the end, the regional tourism numbers reached 16 million visitors in 1976, surpassing the previous year’s totals but falling short of early estimates of up to 60 million.
In a tribute to the spirit of the Bicentennial, the Arlington Historical Society commissioned Cornelia B. Rose, Jr. to craft a detailed history of the county, emphasizing community awareness and engagement.
Although Rose’s work on the book was finalized shortly before her passing on July 1, 1976, her insights on civic and local history left an enduring legacy.
The book, “Arlington County, Virginia: A History,” became available for public purchase in September 1976, preserving the rich stories and experiences of the community.
Arriving alongside the celebrations, the Bicentennial Freedom Train and Wagon Train made appearances in Arlington, attracting thousands and emphasizing the festive nature of the event.
The county’s Bicentennial parade, considered the largest in Northern Virginia, took place on July 3, 1976, featuring 107 entrants and culminating in festivities at Bon Air Park, including a giant Bicentennial cake.
Weighing approximately 300 pounds and measuring six feet square, the cake was designed to serve roughly 2,500 people, further symbolizing the community’s collective spirit.
The baking of this impressive cake involved significant preparation, highlighting just how much ambition and community effort surrounded the Bicentennial celebrations.
Interestingly, organizers faced a complex dilemma when the American Nazi Party requested to march in the parade, which led to controversy and debate surrounding freedom of expression and community values.
Due to the recent establishment of the Metrorail system, which debuted on March 27, 1976, residents faced logistical challenges using mass transit during the holiday weekend, as operations did not include weekend service
Even with the hurdles, plans for the July 4th celebrations continued, concluding with a fireworks display on July 5, allowing Arlingtonians to absorb the full essence of the Bicentennial festivities.
As part of the legacy of the event, 18 historical markers were placed across Arlington, providing lasting recognition of its rich history and foundational sites.
To celebrate community engagement, the commission honored over 100 individuals, groups, and businesses for their contributions to the Bicentennial efforts, reflecting the spirit of cooperation and civic pride.
The years leading up to the 250th anniversary in 2026 serve as a reminder of Arlington’s resilience and enduring commitment to preserving its history and fostering civic engagement.
image source from：arlnow
