Arlington

The history of Arlington is inextricably linked to the history of the capital of the USA, Washington, D.C. This land, situated on the scenic banks of the Potomac River, followed a unique path from being part of the federal district to becoming an independent administrative unit with a rich heritage.

Founding and Early History

Originally, the territory that is now Arlington was part of the vast lands ceded by the state of Virginia in 1791 to create the nation's new capital. From 1801, this area was known as Alexandria County within the District of Columbia. However, in 1846, at the request of local residents, the U.S. Congress decided to return these lands to the state of Virginia. This process, known as "retrocession," was a turning point in forming Arlington’s identity. In 1920, the county was officially renamed Arlington to avoid confusion with the neighboring city of Alexandria and to honor the famous "Arlington House" estate.

Key Factors of Formation

Arlington’s development was shaped by several key factors. Geographic proximity to Washington made it a strategically important area for government buildings and housing for federal employees. After the retrocession to Virginia, and especially after the Civil War—during which defensive forts were built here to protect the capital—the territory began to develop rapidly. The construction of iconic landmarks like the Pentagon in the 1940s finally established Arlington’s status as a major government and military center of the country.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Before its transformation into a bustling suburb, Arlington was primarily a rural area of farms and large estates. Its economy was based on agriculture, particularly tobacco plantations. One of the oldest surviving structures is a house built by farmer John Ball in the 1740s. Over time, as the federal government grew and transportation improved—including the introduction of streetcar lines—the economy began to change rapidly. Proximity to the capital attracted more people, leading to rapid suburbanization and the transformation of Arlington into the thriving residential and business district we know today.

Key Dates in Arlington’s History

A chronology of the events that shaped Arlington, from its early days as part of the federal capital to its modern status as a vital governmental and cultural center.

• 1791: The state of Virginia cedes land to the federal government to create the nation's new capital, Washington, D.C.; this territory includes what would become Arlington.
• 1801: The U.S. Congress officially establishes Alexandria County as part of the District of Columbia on the lands ceded by Virginia.
• 1802: George Washington Parke Custis, the step-grandson of George Washington, begins construction of the "Arlington House" estate.
• 1846: The U.S. Congress passes the Act of Retrocession, returning Alexandria County to the state of Virginia following a vote by local residents.
• 1861: With the start of the Civil War, Union troops occupy Arlington to protect Washington, and the Arlington House estate is confiscated.
• 1864: Arlington National Cemetery is established on a portion of the Arlington House grounds to bury soldiers who fell in the Civil War.
• 1870: The city of Alexandria legally separates, and the remaining territory becomes the independent Alexandria County.
• 1920: To avoid confusion with the neighboring city, Alexandria County is officially renamed Arlington County.
• 1932: Construction of the Arlington Memorial Bridge is completed, creating a direct symbolic and transport link between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington House.
• 1941: Large-scale construction begins on the Pentagon, the future headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense.
• 1943: The Pentagon officially opens, becoming the world's largest office building and cementing Arlington’s status as a military and government hub.
• 1977: The first Washington Metro stations open in Arlington, providing a massive boost to urbanization and the development of transit-oriented neighborhoods.
• 2001: On September 11, the Pentagon is targeted in a terrorist attack when a hijacked plane crashes into the building, resulting in the deaths of 184 people.

Key Milestones in Arlington’s Development

Arlington’s growth is a story of transformation from rural farmland into one of the most significant economic and governmental hubs in the United States. Key events have defined its modern character and high standard of living.

• Construction of the Pentagon (1941–1943): The building of the U.S. Department of Defense headquarters served as a massive catalyst for Arlington’s growth. It drew tens of thousands of federal employees, triggering a construction boom and turning the county into a vital government center.
• Post-War Suburbanization (1950s–1960s): Following the expansion of federal agencies, Arlington experienced rapid suburbanization. Former agricultural lands were developed into residential neighborhoods to accommodate a growing population, shaping its modern suburban structure.
• Arrival of the Washington Metro (1977): The opening of metro stations fundamentally changed the approach to urban planning. Arlington became a pioneer in Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), concentrating high-rise buildings, offices, and retail zones along metro lines, particularly in the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor. This created dense, pedestrian-friendly urban centers.
• Economic Diversification (1990s–2000s): Recognizing a heavy reliance on government agencies, Arlington began actively attracting private businesses. The county became home to headquarters for major corporations, tech companies, and consulting firms, strengthening and diversifying the local economy.
• Selection as Amazon’s Second Headquarters (HQ2) (2018): This decision was a landmark 21st-century event for Arlington, confirming its status as a leading technology hub. The project attracted billions in investment, created tens of thousands of jobs, and provided a new impetus for infrastructure development, the real estate market, and small businesses in the region.

Architecture and Urban Planning in Arlington

The architectural landscape of Arlington is a visual chronicle of its transformation from a rural area into a modern urban center. Unlike older cities, it lacks medieval styles, and its development directly reflects the key stages of 20th and 21st-century American history.

The Early Period: Neoclassicism

The dominant style of early construction in Arlington was Greek Revival, a form of Neoclassicism. The most prominent example is Arlington House, built in the early 19th century. This style, with its austere columns and porticos, was popular in the young American republic, symbolizing a connection to the ideals of ancient democracy.

The 20th Century: Government Monumentalism and Modernism

In the 20th century, Arlington’s appearance was shaped by two powerful factors: the expansion of the federal government and the development of transportation infrastructure.

• Stripped Classicism: The construction of the Pentagon between 1941 and 1943 was a turning point. Its monumental style, devoid of excessive decoration, is an example of Stripped Classicism, which was characteristic of government buildings of that era.
• Modernism and Brutalism: The opening of the Washington Metro in the 1970s triggered the active development of the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor. The Rosslyn neighborhood, in particular, became a showcase for Modernist and Brutalist architecture, featuring glass and concrete office towers like the famous twin towers.

The Modern Era: New Urbanism and High-Tech

Today, Arlington is a recognized leader in Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), where high-density construction is concentrated around metro stations, creating pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use "urban villages."

• Postmodernism: Starting in the 1980s, strict Modernism gave way to more playful Postmodernism, which added architectural diversity to areas like Clarendon.
• Contemporary Architecture and Sustainable Design: 21st-century projects, particularly Amazon’s second headquarters (HQ2) in National Landing, showcase the latest trends. These are high-tech buildings with glass facades that emphasize sustainability (LEED Platinum certification), integration with public parks, and the creation of innovative workspaces.

Notable Figures Associated with Arlington

Due to its rich history and proximity to the capital, Arlington has been home or a starting point for many prominent figures in various fields—from politics and military affairs to the arts and journalism.

• George Washington Parke Custis (1781–1857)

  The step-grandson of the first U.S. President, George Washington, and the founder of the Arlington House estate. It was his estate, named after a family property on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, that gave the modern county its name. Custis was a prominent figure and a guardian of his famous grandfather's legacy.

• Robert E. Lee (1807–1870)

  A prominent military figure who lived at Arlington House before the Civil War after marrying Martha Washington’s great-granddaughter, Mary Anna Custis Lee. The confiscation of his estate and the establishment of the National Cemetery on its grounds were pivotal moments in Arlington’s history.

• Sandra Bullock (born 1964)

  A world-renowned Academy Award-winning actress. Sandra Bullock was born in Arlington and spent part of her childhood here, attending Washington-Lee High School. Her connection to the city is a point of local pride.

• Katie Couric (born 1957)

  One of the most influential American journalists and television presenters, and the first woman to serve as the sole anchor of a major U.S. evening news program (CBS Evening News). Couric was born and raised in Arlington and graduated from Yorktown High School.

• Warren Beatty (born 1937) and Shirley MacLaine (born 1934)

  Famous siblings and Hollywood legends who spent their teenage years in Arlington. Warren Beatty, like Sandra Bullock, is a graduate of Washington-Lee High School. Their early years in Virginia preceded their illustrious careers in cinema.

• Ian MacKaye (born 1962)

  Musician, producer, and founder of the cult independent label Dischord Records. Although born in D.C., MacKaye is a central figure in the hardcore punk scene that originated and flourished in Arlington. The famous "Dischord House," which served as the label’s headquarters and a rehearsal space for bands like Minor Threat and Fugazi, is located in Arlington.

• David McDowell Brown (1956–2003)

  NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy captain. Born in Arlington, he tragically perished along with the rest of the crew during the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster on February 1, 2003. He is remembered as a hero who dedicated his life to space exploration.