Crandal Mackey, born amidst the turbulence of the Civil War, has become a legendary figure in Arlington’s history. His journey from a Confederate field ambulance to being a staunch prosecutor of vice in the early 1900s encapsulates a transformative period for the area.
Born on December 15, 1865, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Mackey was the son of a lawyer and a military engineer for the Confederacy. The family later moved through several states before settling around D.C., where Crandal pursued higher education, eventually graduating with a law degree from Georgetown University in 1889.
By 1904, he had settled in Arlington, located at 1711 22nd Street N, a residence that boasted panoramic views of both the Potomac River and the local community of Rosslyn. It was this vantage point that inspired him to confront the rampant lawlessness that plagued the area, characterized by gambling, prostitution, and other illegal activities.
Mackey’s election as commonwealth’s attorney was by a mere two votes, securing his position in January 1904. With a forceful conviction, he declared war on the vice that had permeated Alexandria County—now Arlington. However, his first attempts met with stagnation, as the sheriff’s department, which reported to Sheriff William Palmer, failed to act on his directives. Realizing that he needed to take matters into his own hands, Mackey organized a posse to tackle the gambling establishments in a decisive and dramatic raid in May of that year.
The posse’s mission was straightforward: dismantle the illegal operations that had flourished in areas like Jackson City, notorious for its lawlessness even before Mackey’s intervention. On a Sunday morning, Mackey and his squad boarded a streetcar with axes and sledgehammers, intending to send a strong message to lawbreakers.
The raid’s initial target proved unresponsive, allegedly due to a tip-off from the sheriff. However, the group pressed on towards Jackson City, making their intentions clear through the destruction they caused at various gambling dens. This venture, though chaotic, garnered immense media attention, highlighting the vice problem in Rosslyn while bolstering Mackey’s image as a reformer.
Mackey’s approach was one of confrontation and reform, targeting not only illegal establishments but also calling out corrupt political officials who enabled their existence. His vehement speeches emphasized the contrast between the lawless environment of Arlington and the stricter enforcement of laws across the Potomac River in Washington, D.C.
Throughout his twelve years in office, Mackey faced numerous challenges. There were constant power struggles and courtroom battles against entrenched gambling interests, all while he was navigating a political landscape fraught with corruption. By 1907, he was re-elected with increased votes but faced stronger opposition in his subsequent campaigns.
Mackey’s focus on law enforcement and public morality made him a divisive figure—he was both a champion of justice and a controversial politician. As time passed, perceptions of him began to shift, transitioning from a heroic reformer to an entrenched official who might have overstayed his welcome.
As Mackey’s political career waned, he sought to maintain his relevance by continuing to run for office, although with diminishing returns. His departure in 1915 marked the end of an era for both himself and for the notoriously vice-ridden landscape of Rosslyn, which would slowly evolve into the modern community it is today.
Despite losing the position of commonwealth’s attorney, Mackey stayed involved in local political matters, highlighting his departure from office with several community engagements. He was known to speak out against Prohibition and the ever-changing political dynamics of the time, remaining active in the public eye even as society shifted significantly around him.
Mackey’s personal life was marked by its own share of turmoil, from robberies targeting his family to a near-fatal car crash that left him injured. His tumultuous experiences only added to the legend surrounding him, painting a vivid picture of a man who faced danger both as a prosecutor and as a private citizen.
The 21st century arrived with drastic changes for Arlington, including an erase of the historical vice concentrated in areas like Jackson City, which had all but disappeared by 1964. In more recent times, Mackey’s legacy was visually represented by a park named in his honor, which ironically was redeveloped in 2014, a testament to the gentrification and change that has swept through Rosslyn.
Today, Mackey’s personal shotgun, used during those legendary raids, sits on display at the Arlington Historical Society Museum. Its presence symbolizes a bygone era when Arlington was still known as Alexandria County—a period fraught with lawlessness but ultimately paving the way for the community we recognize today. With the reopening of the museum, Crandal Mackey’s story continues to resonate, illuminating the complexities and challenges of local governance and community safety during a transformative time in U.S. history.
image source from：https://www.arlnow.com/2025/06/04/historic-shotgun-used-to-fight-rosslyn-gambling-and-prostitution-returns-to-public-view/
