Supply and Demand: The Development of Arlington and Fairfax Counties, 1649-1960

Explore more than 300 years of Northern Virginia's economic history.

The growth, influence, and culture of Northern Virginia--its history--can be told through the changing values of its real estate.

Arlington and Fairfax counties make up a resilient population constantly dealing with gradual changes that shaped its transformation from a remote frontier to an agrarian economy and finally to a suburb of the nation's capital.

Supply and Demand gives readers an understanding of that story through an economic lens. It shines a light on the social conditions and property values that shaped an influential corner of the commonwealth over three centuries.

Historian and Realtor Karen Washburn shows how since the seventeenth century, Northern Virginia saw the economy crater often, only to recover every time. The pace was unpredictable, and sometimes agonizingly slow, but eventually real estate values would rise and surpass the previous hot market.

Northern Virginia's past is steeped in successes and failures. Opening this window, Washburn allows readers to get a slice of local history that will help them better understand this vibrant area and appreciate the educational--and entertaining--value of economic history in any part of the country.