According to act-test-centers, Arlington, Virginia is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia and part of the Washington metropolitan area. It is situated on the Potomac River, directly across from Washington D.C., and borders both Fairfax County and Alexandria City. The county is bordered by Maryland to the east and has a total area of 26 square miles.
Arlington is largely composed of rolling hills with an elevation ranging from sea level to over 400 feet above sea level at its highest point. The terrain of Arlington is generally low-lying and hilly, with many streams running through it, including Four Mile Run, Long Branch Creek, and Turkey Run. The county has several large parks such as Bluemont Park, Fort C.F. Smith Park, Glencarlyn Park and more which provide recreational activities for residents and visitors alike.
Arlington’s climate can be classified as humid subtropical with hot summers and mild winters. During the summer months temperatures can range from highs in the mid 80s to lows in the mid 60s while during winter temperatures range from highs in the mid 40s to lows in the low 30s on average. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year with January being the driest month typically receiving just under 3 inches of rain while July receiving almost 4 inches on average annually.
The economic base of Arlington consists mainly of high-tech industries such as defense contracting, telecommunications and information technology as well as government services such as consulting firms located near Washington D.C.. Additionally, Arlington has seen growth recently due to its proximity to D.C., making it an attractive place for young professionals looking for jobs or leisure activities close by their homes or apartments within Arlington County itself or surrounding areas like Alexandria City or Fairfax County.
History of Arlington, Virginia
Arlington, Virginia has a long and rich history that dates back to the early 1600s. In 1669, the first settlers arrived in Arlington, led by Captain John Smith who named the area after himself. As the years passed, Arlington was home to several plantations and farms that grew tobacco and corn and raised livestock. During this period of time, Arlington was part of Fairfax County.
In 1801, Virginia ceded the area that is now Arlington to the federal government for use as a national capital. The land was then divided into squares for development and became known as Alexandria County in 1846. By 1860, Alexandria County had grown to encompass all of what is now known as Arlington County.
During the Civil War, much of what is now Arlington was occupied by Confederate troops from 1861-1865 due to its strategic location across from Washington D.C.. After the war ended in 1865, Alexandria County was returned to Virginia and renamed Arlington in 1877 after Robert E Lee’s former residence which still stands today as a national landmark known as Arlington House or The Robert E Lee Memorial.
In 1920, Arlington officially became an independent county with its own local government and school system. In 1951, construction began on The Pentagon which quickly became a major employer for residents of Arlington leading to an increase in population over time. Since then, many more high-tech industries have come to call Arlington home leading it to become one of the most affluent counties in America today with a bustling economy and vibrant culture.
Economy of Arlington, Virginia
Arlington, Virginia is home to a thriving and diverse economy. The county is well-known for its high-tech industries, including defense contractors and software companies, as well as a number of educational institutions such as George Mason University and Marymount University. All of these sectors have created a highly educated and skilled workforce in the county.
The largest employer in Arlington is the Department of Defense, which has a major presence at The Pentagon. Other government agencies like the Department of Homeland Security also have offices in Arlington. In addition to these government agencies, several large private companies like Amazon, Accenture, and Northrop Grumman also have offices in the area.
The service industry is also an important part of Arlington’s economy with tourism being one of the largest sources of revenue for local businesses. Major attractions such as Arlington National Cemetery, The Pentagon War Memorials, and Iwo Jima Memorial bring thousands of visitors to the area each year for sightseeing tours.
Arlington’s economy has grown steadily over time due to its favorable business climate and proximity to Washington D.C.. Its highly educated workforce has attracted many high-tech companies looking to take advantage of the area’s resources while its entertainment options make it an attractive destination for tourists from all over the world. All these factors combined make Arlington an ideal location for businesses looking to expand or relocate their operations.
Politics in Arlington, Virginia
Arlington, Virginia is an independent county within the Commonwealth of Virginia. The county is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors, who are elected to four-year terms and serve on a nonpartisan basis. The Board of Supervisors oversees the budget and sets tax rates for the county, as well as appointing members to various boards and commissions.
The county has traditionally leaned Democratic in its voting patterns, with Democrats holding a majority of seats in both the House of Delegates and Senate. In addition to federal elections, Arlington also holds local elections for county offices such as sheriff, treasurer, clerk of court, and commonwealth’s attorney.
The Arlington County Democratic Committee is active in local politics and has been instrumental in supporting progressive candidates for office. The committee also works to engage citizens in civic activities such as voter registration drives and public forums to discuss local issues.
In addition to the Democratic Party, there are several other political organizations active in Arlington including Indivisible Arlington and Our Revolution Arlington. These groups work to promote progressive causes such as environmental protection and racial justice through advocacy campaigns and grassroots organizing efforts.
Overall, politics in Arlington tend to be fairly progressive with most voters supporting progressive candidates for office at all levels of government. As one of the most affluent counties in America today with a diverse population that values education and diversity, it’s no surprise that Arlington’s political landscape reflects this outlook.