Arlington County

Arlington County is an administrative district in northern Virginia that stretches along the Potomac River across from Washington D.C. and covers roughly 26 square miles (67 square kilometers). The area features dense development with residential neighborhoods, business districts, and parkland connected by a network of major roads and bridges.

The area was established in 1801 as part of the District of Columbia before being returned to Virginia in 1846 through an act of Congress. Following the Civil War, the region gradually evolved from agricultural land into a densely populated suburb of the capital.

The Arlington National Cemetery serves as an active memorial site where mourners visit graves daily and ceremonies with military honors take place. Many visitors observe the regular changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a tradition performed with precision that symbolizes respect.

The area has multiple metro stations, bus routes, and developed bike paths that make it easy to move around without a car. Many places are walkable, especially in the urban neighborhoods along main transit corridors.

The Pentagon located here is considered the largest office building in the world and has served as the headquarters of the Department of Defense since 1943. A lesser known feature is the extensive tunnel system beneath the building used for utility lines and internal transport.

Location: Virginia

Inception: February 27, 1801

Elevation above the sea: 80 m

Part of: Arlington–Alexandria–Reston metropolitan division, Washington metropolitan area

Shares border with: Washington, D.C., Alexandria, Fairfax County, Falls Church, Montgomery County, Foggy Bottom

Website: https://arlingtonva.us

GPS coordinates: 38.87693,-77.08931

Latest update: December 3, 2025 08:50