Navigating the Streets of Arlington: Patterns, Curves, and Confusions
Introduction
Arlington, Virginia, is a region with a unique approach to street naming and organization. This area, which plays a crucial role in the greater Washington D.C. area, presents its own set of challenges and curiosities for residents and visitors alike. This article delves into the patterned but sometimes confusing street naming system in Arlington, Virginia, offering insights and explanations for newcomers and anyone interested in the area's naming conventions.
Street Naming and Organization
One of the most notable features of Arlington's street system is the division created by Rt. 50, which runs through the county, effectively dividing the area into North and South. This road serves as a natural demarcation, leading to a straightforward naming convention. Streets south of Rt. 50 are named with "South" prefixes (S 1st St, S 2nd St), while those north of it are named with "North" prefixes (N 1st St, N 2nd St).
North Arlington
Streets in North Arlington follow an alphabetical order, starting with one-syllable words (A, B, C) and progressing through two-syllable (Adams, Bell) and three-syllable (Butler, Campbell) streets. This pattern maintains consistency with the north side of Rt. 50, making it relatively easy to navigate for those familiar with the system. However, there are numerous exceptions to these rules, often given names such as Avenues, Pikes, and Boulevards.
Your Location on North Arlington
For those living near the intersection of 39th Street and 39th Street, it may initially be confusing to explain your location, especially to visitors. The street has been renamed several times, reflecting changes in the area's name or to streamline the naming convention. Cab drivers, and indeed anyone navigating Arlington, must be familiar with this unique system to avoid frustration.
Challenges and Curiosities
Despite the clear naming conventions, some parts of Arlington present challenges that defy logic and structure. The most perplexing of these is the phenomenon of streets abruptly stopping and then resuming at a later point. A notable example is the street named Edison, which runs for a mile, stops, and then resumes a mile later. This pattern is found across various other street names in Arlington, making it a significant challenge for residents and newcomers alike.
The Alphabetical System and Exceptions
Further complicating matters is the imbalance in the alphabetical progression. While names follow a logical sequence from one-syllable to three-syllable words, there are exceptions such as streets named after presidents or other notable figures. These streets often sit outside the alphabetical sequence, creating a patchwork of names that can trip up even the most experienced local, such as those in Clarendon and Rosslyn areas.
Historical Context and the Rationale Behind Naming
The current street naming system in Arlington was designed in 1935, an attempt to impose some kind of logical structure on the area's haphazard street patterns. This system was crafted by a committee of three local ladies who proposed the rationale seen today to the County Board. However, the original grid-like design often fails to accommodate the natural curves and turns of the land, resulting in street names that twist and curve in ways that seem irrational to the casual observer.
Historically, the area near Arlington has a rich past, with streets like Glebe Road serving as conduits for commerce and travel between nearby ports. Formerly part of the Glebe Farm, which provided for the Rector of Christ Church in Alexandria, the road's winding path can be attributed to the practical needs of cattle driving.
Conclusion
Navigating the streets of Arlington can be a daunting task for newcomers, but with a bit of patience and familiarity with the unique naming conventions, even the most confounding patterns can become second nature. Whether you're exploring the Clarendon area, navigating the grid-like streets in North Arlington, or finding your way through the twists and turns of Glebe Road, understanding the local geometry will undoubtedly make your journey smoother.