Quantico in Prince William County, Virginia, is a famous military city due to its Marine Corps base.

Located about an hour south of Washington D.C., on the east side of the Potomac River, this city is known as a military hub.

Surrounded on three sides by the Marine Corps Base Quantico, the entire city feels like a small town within a military base. Although it is a very small city with an area of less than 0.2 km², its significance is anything but small.

The name Quantico originates from the native language, meaning 'dancing place' or 'village by the river.' It was once called Potomac, but the name was changed to preserve the unique character of the town that developed along the river. Perhaps because the Potomac River flows right next to the city, the air here is always mixed with the scent of water and breeze.

The history of Quantico dates back to the colonial era. In the mid-1600s, Europeans first settled this area, growing into a commercial port, and during the Civil War, it was used as a strategic stronghold by the Confederate Army to defend the Potomac River. However, the present-day Quantico was established in 1917, the year World War I began. The Marine Corps set up a new training base, creating the 'Marine Barracks Quantico,' and since then, it has been known as the heart of the Marine Corps. Today, it is home to the Marine Officer School, special training facilities, and various military research facilities.

This city has become more famous not only for its military facilities but also because several federal agency headquarters are located here. The FBI Academy is right here, along with the DEA training center, NCIS headquarters, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), and Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), all located in or around this area. It can truly be said that this city is like the 'heart of national security' where America's intelligence, investigative, and security agencies gather.

Quantico is a small but special city. With a population of less than 500, most residents are military personnel or their families, forming a quiet community where everyone knows each other. The downtown area is small but cozy, and along the walking paths by the Potomac River, soldiers train every morning while citizens jog. Standing by the river, one can see the skyline of Washington in the distance, and whenever the wind blows, a moment of calmness envelops the entire city as if time has stopped.

Living in Quantico is not just about living in a military city. It is a place where those who protect the country and their families live together, and where one can find peace at the quiet riverside to end the day.

A city that plays a huge role symbolizing America's security and justice. That is why Quantico is always referred to as a 'small but strong city.'