In Spring 2017, Masters students in Urban and Regional Planning explored the history of longstanding, or “legacy,” businesses in Arlington County, VA. Our study focused on two areas: the neighborhoods along the Lee Highway corridor and the historically African American Green Valley neighborhood.

This website includes a comprehensive interactive map of longstanding businesses along Lee Highway and a collection of oral histories of business owners in both areas. Businesses featured in the oral history collection are a sample of those operating for 25 years or longer. We will build on this initial collection in the months and years to come. In the meantime, enjoy the stories of these important contributors to Arlington’s history and community character!

Legacy businesses in Green Valley include: