Kingstowne near Alexandria in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Olander Banks, Sr. and Margaret Lomax Banks
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 3, 2024
This site is preserved in perpetuity as a park, thanks to the generosity of Olander Banks, Sr. who dedicated it to the memory of his wife, Margaret Lomax Banks.
Olander Banks Sr. and Margaret Lomax Banks purchased this property in 1957. It was then an open gravel lot. Mrs. Banks suggested to her husband that they build a home at this site. Here they built the 27-room home where they raised their nine children, and for over four decades, they made it a peaceful oasis for family and friends.
In the face of intense surrounding development, Olander Banks, Sr. was inspired to be "One with the Dream" and share the family estate with Fairfax County. The Fairfax County Park Authority established the Olander Banks, Sr. and Margaret Lomax Banks Community Park in August 2001. Through his giving spirit and faith, Olander Banks, Sr. has ensured that this will remain a special place for future generations to enjoy.
Erected 2005 by Fairfax County Park Authority.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is August 2001.
Location. 38° 45.41′ N, 77° 8.484′ W. Marker is near Alexandria, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It is in Kingstowne. Marker is on Old Telegraph Road, 0.2 miles north of Hayfield Road (Virginia Route 635), on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7458 Towchester Ct, Alexandria VA 22315, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Carrolltown (approx. ¼ mile away); Laurel Grove Colored School and Church (approx. 1.1 miles away); Potter’s Hill (approx. 1½ miles away); The Spy with the Glass Eye (approx. 1½ miles away); Franconia (approx. 1.7 miles away); The Rose Hill Raid (approx. 2.1 miles away); Rose Hill (approx. 2.1 miles away); a different marker also named Rose Hill (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 3, 2024
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 3, 2024
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 3, 2024
Credits. This page was last revised on May 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 3, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 53 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 3, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.