Electric Railway Played An Important Role in Del Ray History

Northern Virginia abounds in history - and no where more so than in Alexandria. Old Town Alexandria is closely connected to the shipping business that flourished along the Potomac River. Del Ray, on the other hand, owes its early history to the development of one of the first electric railways in the country and later, the Potomac Rail Yard.

Once known as the Town of Potomac, Del Ray was annexed by the City of Alexandria in 1930. The occasion was commemorated January 1, 1930 with a “gala program of music and dance” at the fire station. At midnight, a siren wailed to mark the New Year and the official annexation. The action was originally controversial and a majority of the townspeople refused to re-elect council members who favored joining the city.

To see a great video on the electric railway and Potomac Yard, visit us at:

Electric Railway Played An Important Role in Del Ray History