Though it is now a bustling city in its own right, Arlington, Virginia has a rich history that is often overshadowed by that of its neighbor, Washington D.C. Founded in 1769, Arlington has been home to some of the United States' most important figures and played a critical role in the nation's development. Here are just a few of the reasons why Arlington is famous.
Arlington was one of the major battlefields during the American Civil War. In May of 1861, Confederate troops occupied Arlington Heights, which oversaw the strategic Potomac River and provided an excellent vantage point for artillery attacks on the Union capital located just across the water. Union General George B. McClellan eventually forced the Confederates out of Arlington in 1862, but not before they burned much of the city to the ground. As a result of the extensive damage done during the war, Arlington did not begin to truly develop as a city until after Reconstruction. Nevertheless, several key sites from the Civil War era remain standing today and are popular tourist destinations, including Fort Custer (now Arlington National Cemetery), Fort Whipple (now The Pentagon), and Fort Reno (now Kenmore Middle School). The seats of two major battles—First Bull Run and Second Bull Run—are also located nearby in Manassas, Virginia. Today, these battlefields are preserved as national parks and receive hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Arlington's location just across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. makes it an ideal place for military bases and federal agencies. The Pentagon—the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense—is located in Arlington, as is joint base Myer-Henderson Hall, which serves as headquarters for several United States Army units. In addition, Arlington is home to many important memorials, including those dedicated to World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and terrorism victims of September 11th. This is just scratching the surface when it comes to all that Arlington has to offer. If you're looking for a city with a rich history and plenty to see and do, then look no further than Arlington! There's no doubt about it—Arlington is a city with a storied past. From its role in the Civil War to its present-day status as home to some of America's most important military landmarks, there is much to learn about this fascinating Virginia city. So next time you find yourself in Washington D.C., don't forget to take a quick trip across the river to explore all that Arlington has to offer!
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