1938 Restrictive Covenant

Subject of Research: 1938 Restrictive Covenant
Story: Use of restrictive covenants proliferated Arlington’s neighborhoods. These covenants prohibited home sales to African American or Black Arlingtonians based on race and/or religion. For example, this Bluemont neighborhood deed (1938) stated, “No persons of any race other than the Caucasian Race shall use or occupy any building or any lot” with exception of servants who lived in residence. Other variations explicitly sought sale to only Christian white owners. Restrictive covenants were also used to prohibit undesirable businesses, like taverns and hotels, or affordable housing types, in favor of single-family detached dwellings. These covenants were prevalent in Arlington until the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968.
Source: Arlington Racial History Timeline