2501 N Underwood St
Arlington, VA, USA

National Register of Historic Places - George Crossman House (DHR File No. 000-8826)

Statement of Significant:

The George Crossman House, built in 1892, is a representative example of a Late Victorian vernacular farmhouse. The home remained in the Crossman family for a period of 62 years and three generations were associated with the property's use as one of Arlington's most successful early-20th century dairy farms. As one of the few remaining late-19th century dwellings in Arlington County, the George Crossman House illustrates the practical simplicity of rural architecture and exhibits distinctly Late Victorian features. The home is also only one of two known residences in Arlington that was originally part of a working dairy farm. The George Crossman House meets National Register Criterion C in the area of architecture as a well- preserved example of a vernacular dwelling that typifies Arlington County's rural and agricultural origins.

Historical Background
The Crossman Family
The George Crossman House is located on land originally part of a 126-acre parcel of farmland that spread over Fairfax and Alexandria (now Arlington) counties. Isaac Crossman purchased the land in 1864 when he moved to Virginia from Pennsylvania. Isaac was a prominent figure in the development of the neighboring Town of Falls Church, having served as an alderman for the first Falls Church City Council when the city was incorporated in 1875. The Crossman United Methodist Church, to which the family belonged and served, was built on land donated by Crossman. Active in business and commerce, Isaac Crossman was a director on the board of the Fairfax and Georgetown Turnpike Railway and was an incorporator in the Falls Church and Potomac Railway Company. Isaac also served as a trustee of Oakwood Cemetery in Falls Church and played an integral role in transferring the cemetery from Methodist to public ownership (Jones 2001: 7-9). Described as "one of the fathers of the town [of Falls Church], a man of sterling integrity, great energy and physical ability," Isaac Crossman also maintained a farm regarded as a "noted show-place" (Steadman 1964: 290). By 1890, Isaac was considered one of the "principal farmers" of the Falls Church area of Fairfax County (Chataigne 1890: 152).

Isaac Crossman deeded 60 acres to one of his sons, George Grant Crossman, in 1890. A vernacular Late Victorian farmhouse, today located at 2501 North Underwood Street, was built in 1892 by George, who operated a dairy farm on the site (Jones 2001: 8). In the September 11, 1891 edition of the Fairfax Herald, there is a reference to Mr. George G. Crossman building a new house (Anonymous 9/11/1891: 3). The home was completed by the time George married his new bride, Miss Nellie Dodge, on April 7, 1892. The couple's wedding announcement, which referred to Mr. Crossman as "a popular ladies' man," also detailed how "the bride was duly installed in a brand-new house all furnished and ready for occupancy" (Anonymous 4/15/1892: 3).

During his residency at the property, George was a successful and reputable dairy farmer. Like his father, George also served as a trustee of the Oakwood Cemetery Association (Jones 2001: 9; Anonymous 1/15/1932: 4). George and Nellie Crossman deeded ownership of their farmhouse and its 4.415-acre parcel to their son, William C. Crossman, Sr., on April 18, 1941. The conveyance also included a metal-clad garage building and two barns (Arlington County Deed Book 571: 88). William lived in the Crossman family's home from his birth in 1895 until 1954, a period of nearly 60 years. In his youth, William helped his father operate the family's dairy farm, eventually becoming the owner, operator, and manager. When William retired in 1949, the Crossman Farm was one of the last working dairy farms in Arlington County. William continued the family's association with Oakwood Cemetery by serving as superintendent from approximately 1949 to 1975 (Anonymous 4/6/1980: B6).