Arlington County, located in Virginia, is pronounced as "ahrling-tuhn koun-tee". In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be written as /ɑrlɪŋtən kaʊnti/. The first syllable uses the vowel sound /ɑ/ (as in "car") followed by the consonant blend /rl/. The second syllable uses the short vowel sound /ɪ/ (as in "sit") and the consonant /ŋ/. The third syllable uses the diphthong /aw/ (as in "out") and the consonant /nt/. Finally, the last syllable uses the long vowel sound /i/ (as in "beet") and the consonant /t/.
Arlington County is a local government entity and a part of the Commonwealth of Virginia, located in the United States. Situated directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., it is considered part of the Washington metropolitan area. Arlington County is an urbanized and densely populated region with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
In terms of governance, Arlington County operates under the County Manager form of government. This system comprises a five-member elected County Board, which appoints a professional County Manager to administer the day-to-day operations. The county provides a variety of public services to its residents, including education, public safety, transportation, parks, and recreation.
Arlington County is notable for its proximity to the nation's capital and its historical importance. It encompasses the Arlington National Cemetery, a hallowed burial ground for military personnel and notable figures in American history. The county is also home to the Pentagon, the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense.
With its vibrant urban landscape and diverse communities, Arlington County has become a desirable place to live and work. It offers numerous amenities, including a variety of shopping and dining options, cultural institutions, and recreational opportunities. The county's convenient location, strong economy, and excellent public transportation system make it an attractive destination for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
The word "Arlington" comes from the Arlington House, a prominent historical building located in Arlington, Virginia. The county itself is named after Arlington House, which was formerly the home of General Robert E. Lee and his wife Mary Anna Custis Lee. The mansion was named in honor of the Custis family's ancestral estate, Arlington Plantation, which was located in Westmoreland County, Virginia. The name "Arlington" was derived from the village of Arlington in Gloucestershire, England.