The History of Arlington: From Revolutionary Times to Present

You will find Arlington, Virginia, located just across the Potomac River from Washington DC, and you will also find that it is a place that has a rich and fascinating history that pretty much mirrors the growth of the United States itself.

It might have a modern reputation for being home to federal institutions, set against an iconic high-rise skyline, but Arlington’s story begins centuries ago, with roots stretching right back to colonial America.

You only have to search for top real estate agents Arlington VA to get a clear idea of what the property landscape looks like now, and why it’s such a great place to call home. It’s also interesting to get a historical perspective to get a feel of what Arlington is all about.

Let’s take a look at how Arlington played its part in history and how it has evolved over time as a result of so many key events.

In the beginning

Arlington was originally part of the Colony of Virginia, and the land was home to Indigenous peoples long before Europeans arrived. During the 1700s, it was mostly farmland, settled by colonists who worked the land and established small communities.

Although Arlington itself wasn’t the site of any major Revolutionary War battles, Virginia’s loyalty to the cause was clear. George Washington, whose Mount Vernon estate lies just to the south, played a key role in securing American independence.

Without question, his legacy still looms large in the region.

The civil war is an integral aspect of Arlington’s DNA

Without doubt, one of the most significant events in Arlington’s history came during the Civil War. The land that would later become Arlington National Cemetery was once the estate of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. His home, Arlington House, still stands today, perched in a prominent position on a hill overlooking the capital.

When Lee joined the Confederacy, it resulted in Union troops seizing his property and ultimately converting it into a military burial ground to accommodate the growing number of Union casualties. Arlington National Cemetery has since become one of the most sacred and symbolic places in the country. It is the final resting place for over 400,000 military service members and their families.

A new era after the war

Following the war, Arlington transitioned from just farmland and forest to become a more urbanized area. As the federal government expanded in the 20th century, so did the demand for nearby housing and infrastructure. This resulted in the construction of the Pentagon during World War II, marking another significant turning point in Arlington’s history. Completed in 1943, the Pentagon became the nerve center of the US Department of Defense and transformed Arlington into a key hub for military and government operations.

Postwar development accelerated Arlington’s transformation. This led to a rapid rise of suburban communities being created throughout the 1950s and ’60s, together with a plethora of new schools, roads, and commercial areas. In the 1970s and ’80s, Arlington embraced smart urban planning and was one of the first counties in the country to adopt transit-oriented development around its Metro stations.

Arlington is rightly proud of its historical roots. Although it remains deeply tied to national history, it also serves as a fine model for modern urban living.