Arlington is an urban county located directly across the Potomac River from Washington DC. It is approximately 26 square miles and has no incorporated towns or cities within its boundaries. Originally part of the area which was surveyed for the nation's capital, the portion on the west bank of the river was returned to the Commonwealth of Virginia by the U.S. Congress in 1846. This area was known as Alexandria City and Alexandria County until 1920 when the county portion was renamed Arlington County. Although it is common to do so, it is technically inaccurate to refer to it as the city of Arlington.
|