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Step back in time: Northern Virginia through September’s archives

Take a step back in time with a gallery of historic September photographs from Northern Virginia. This curated collection highlights memorable moments and events from September’s archives.

September 11, 2025 • 
Ava Wojnowski
Students sitting at Fort Myer elementary school, September 7, 1954.

Photo via Washington Public Spark via Flickr

We’ve collected six photos from September’s past in Northern Virginia. Explore these moments in history that shaped the region we know today.

September, 1908

“Orville Wright at Fort Myer”
Orville Wright, one of the Wright brothers who were deemed as aviation pioneers, demonstrated this plane over Fort Myer in Arlington.

A photo of Orville Wright flying over Fort Meyer in Arlington, VA.

Photo from Streets of Washington via Flickr

September 21, 1949

“1949 Organization Day Football Game”
This football game was a part of Organization Day in 1949 on Summerall Field in Fort Myer. This event was likely for a regiment (a military unit) to celebrate its history.

Football game played as part of the 1949 Organization Day festivities.

Photo via Old Guard Museum US Army via Flickr

September 7, 1954

“US Military integrates Virginia base schools: 1954"
Four students at Fort Myer Elementary School sit together while they wait for the bell to signify the beginning of the school day. This was the first school in Virginia to desegregate.

Students sitting at Fort Myer elementary school, September 7, 1954.

Photo via Washington Public Spark via Flickr

September 13, 1973

“Transit workers wildcat over Metro takeover: 1973"
Transit workers picket at 3501 South Glebe Rd. over benefits and pay provisions. They also wanted to keep their union without it being merged into the larger Amalgamated Transit Union.

Transit workers picket in front of a bus garage at 3501 South Glebe Rd., September 13, 1973.

Photo via Washington Area Spark via Flickr

September, 1975

“Arlington Memorial Bridge”
This photo highlights one of the bridges linking Arlington to DC, with Arlington National Cemetery visible in the distance. Take a look at the cars of days gone by.

A photo of the Arlington Memorial Bridge facing Arlington National Cemetery.

Photo by Moacir de Sa Pereira via Flickr

September 12, 2001

“National Airport personnel deployed to the Pentagon”
A group of National Airport personnel pictured before being deployed to the Pentagon in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.

A photo of firefighters outside the Pentagon after 9/11.

Photo by Michael Defina via The Center for Local History