Arlington County's roots trace back to its origins as part of Fairfax County in colonial Virginia. The British monarchy granted land to influential Englishmen in exchange for political favors and development efforts. Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, was one such grantee, lending his name to both Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax. The name Arlington derives from Henry Bennet, 1st Earl of Arlington, whose name was given to a Potomac River plantation. In 1802, George Washington Parke Custis, Martha Washington's grandson, acquired this land. It later passed to Mary Anna Custis Lee, wife of General Robert E. Lee. During the Civil War, the estate became Arlington National Cemetery, ultimately giving its name to present-day Arlington County. The area now encompassing Arlington County was ceded to the new United States federal government by Virginia. The Residence Act of 1790 allowed Congress to approve a new permanent capital on the Potomac River, with President George Washington selecting the exact location. Initially, the Act only permitted the President to choose a site within Maryland, extending east to the current Anacostia River. However, Washington adjusted the federal territory's borders southeastward to include Alexandria. In 1791, Congress amended the Act to approve the new site, including Virginia's ceded territory, but prohibited public buildings on the Virginia side. As allowed by the Constitution, the federal district was initially square, measuring 10 miles on each side, totaling 100 square miles. Andrew Ellicott and his team placed boundary stones at every mile point during 1791-92, with fourteen markers in Virginia, many still standing today. Upon Congress's arrival in the new capital, they passed the Organic Act of 1801, officially organizing the District of Columbia and placing the entire federal territory, including Washington, Georgetown, and Alexandria, under Congress's exclusive control. The unincorporated area within the District was divided into two counties: Washington County east of the Potomac and Alexandria County to the west. Alexandria County included all of present-day Arlington County and part of what is now the independent city of Alexandria, Virginia. This Act formally established the borders of future Arlington but stripped residents of their representation in Congress, as they were no longer considered Maryland or Virginia citizens. For those interested in Arlington property management, understanding the area's rich history provides valuable context for navigating the local real estate landscape. The region's unique development, from colonial land grants to its role in shaping the nation's capital, has contributed to Arlington's diverse and dynamic property market. Today, landlords and homeowners benefit from this heritage, which has created a thriving community attractive to busy professionals seeking both historical charm and modern amenities.