The History of Arlington National Cemetery
The Arlington National Cemetery is a national landmark, and a gravesite for military service men and women, as well as some famous notable people. The cemetery was established on the land of the former home of Civil War general Robert E. Lee. It is located in Arlington, Virginia on the Potomac river, right across from Washington, D.C. Millions of visitors come to see this historical landmark every year. Over 300,000 people are buried there, and there are veterans in the cemetery from every American war. In 1802, the Arlington House was built on the land that is now the cemetery. The house was built by tthe orders of George Washington Parke Custis. In 1831 Robert E. Lee married Mary Anna Randolph Custis and moved into the home, living there for the next 30 years. After the Lee family vacated the house during the Civil War, for fear of their safety, the house was taken over by federal forces within a month after the battle of Fort Sumter. In 1864 after the Alexandria and Washington cemeteries were filled a new site to bury the fallen Union soldiers was needed. The land of Arlington House was chosen as a quick solution. There were graves placed right outside the door of the mansion in order to prevent the Lee family from ever moving back into the house. During the war part of the land that is now cemetary was used as a home for freed slaves. In the 1860s, the land changed hands from the government to private ownership after Lee's son sued for ownership rights, he then sold the land back to the government. The Arlington National Cemetery is divided into 70 different sections. Including an area dedicated to the many nurses who have helped care for the soldiers fighting in wars throughout the decades. The first Memorial Day ceremony was conducted at the cemetery in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson. Perhaps one of the most memorable and well-known sections is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. There are currently three men buried in these tombs whose identities have never been determined. Since 1948 these tombshave been guarded by trained Army soldiers. There are many famous burial sites at Arlington National Cemetery. Perhaps the most visited is that of former president John F. Kennedy, where an eternal flame constantly burns. There are even a few famous actors and writers, artists and other icons buried there. It is considered the highest honor when one is buried in the cemetery. A few other well-known people and US Presidents have been buried there as well, including William Howard Taft. In order to be buried, one must have served in the military, but presidents are exempt from that requirement. The cemetery is a beautiful and peaceful place, and a serves a fitting tribute to those who have served our country. |
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