Have You Met The Ghosts of Vienna?

I recently came across this quote from Dexter Perkins:

"History is a kind of introduction to more interesting people than we can possibly meet in our restricted lives; let us not neglect the opportunity."

One of Vienna's many draws is that it is a town rich in history. And the quote above made me think about a stroll I took this weekend with my family around Vienna. As we wandered around town, enjoying the spring weather (finally!) and admiring the natural beauty, we came across a number of historical markers.



This one marks the entrance to Carter's Glen subdivision in Vienna (not far from the intersection of Nutley Street & Courthouse Road).


The marker marks the spot where the First Baptist Church of Vienna held baptismal services in the early-mid 1900's. The property was the homestead of Charles Carter. Charles Carter was the grandson of a freed slave.



We found another historic marker in Vienna at the corner of Tapawingo Road and Frederick Street SW.



This marker marks the graves of Colonel Broadwater and his son & grandson. Captain Broadwater (the Colonel's father) served as the first Sheriff of Fairfax County. Colonel Broadwater was also a Sheriff and Justice of Fairfax County and served with George Washington as a Burgess to the Convention at Williamsburg in 1774.



And we came across a third marker on Lynn Street SW.


There were two gravestones at this site - one for "James Hunter, M.D." and the other for "Sara A. Wife of Dr. James Hunter". Dr. Hunter's marker said he was "esteemed for those virtues which most adorn the character of man" and that "An honest man is the noblest work of God." Sounds like a guy I'd like to know!


One of these days, I'll get around to contacting Historic Vienna Inc or the Town of Vienna and finding out more about the people that these markers commemorate. But in the meantime, I'll be wondering about Vienna's ghosts . . . Dr James Hunter, Colonel Broadwater and Charles Carter.

Those would be great names for a game of Clue - wouldn't they?!

(Interested in other blog posts about Vienna history? Check out "How Old Is Vienna?" and "Happy Anniversary Vienna")

(P.S. - You might also enjoy the "Vienna Remembers World War II Exhibit" at the Freeman House Store & Museum. The exhibit has been extended through the end of April and is open Wed-Sat (Noon to 4PM) and Sundays (1PM to 5PM). )