Discovering the Ball Family Legacy at Ballston Cemetery

About the Historic Ball Family Burial Ground

Established: Circa 1854
Historic Recognition: Local Historic District, February 28, 2017
Current Function: Cemetery

The Robert Ball Sr. Family Burial Ground, often referred to as the Ballston Cemetery, holds a significant place in Arlington, Virginia’s history. The Ball Family, pivotal in the development of this area, originally designated this ¼-acre site as their family graveyard around 1865. At that time, the landscape was predominantly farmland, a stark contrast to the urban environment that envelops it today. Records indicate that the first burial predates the formal platting, occurring around 1854, highlighting the site’s early origins.

The cemetery’s dimensions have altered slightly over time. A portion of the original land was conveyed to the Central United Methodist Church, which constructed its present building on part of the grounds in 1923. Despite the urban expansion of Ballston in the 20th century, this historic burial ground remains, a green space of approximately 502 square feet, surrounded by modern development.

Significant Historical Features

The Robert Ball Sr. Family Burial Ground is more than just a cemetery; it’s a tangible representation of Ballston’s transformation from a rural community in the 19th century to the bustling urban area it is today. Founded by Robert Ball Sr., the burial ground serves as a poignant reminder of the area’s antebellum rural character and is the final resting place for some of Arlington County’s earliest families and settlers. These family graveyards are evocative of the self-reliance prevalent among early rural landowners and reflect a long-standing American tradition of family burial plots.

The Ball family’s influence extended beyond land ownership. They were prominent figures in Arlington County’s civic life and operated a tavern and property at the intersection of Wilson Boulevard and North Glebe Road. Their prominence led to this intersection being known as Ball’s Cross Roads, which eventually gave its name to the entire community of Ballston, forever linking the Ball family name to this important Arlington neighborhood.