Arlington National Cemetery is a sacred place where history lives through each headstone, honoring those who sacrificed for their country. Across the Potomac from Washington, DC, it’s the final resting place of over 400,000 Americans, including soldiers from every major U.S. war, Medal of Honor recipients, famous actors, and two U.S. Presidents.
Guard by the Tomb of the Unknowns.Photo byDepositphotos.
While the eternal flame at JFK’s grave and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are well-known, Arlington holds countless stories of service and sacrifice. These facts shed light on the lesser-known details that make this cemetery a powerful symbol of the United States.
1. Arlington Cemetery was Once a Private Estate
Before becoming a cemetery, the land that now houses Arlington National Cemetery was known as Arlington House. The estate was the home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee and his wife, Mary Anna Custis Lee, the great-granddaughter of Martha and George Washington.
2. The Cemetery was Created Out of Necessity
By 1864, America’s bloodiest war had overwhelmed existing cemeteries in Washington, D.C. Quartermaster General Montgomery C. Meigs, a Union officer, selected the Arlington Estate as the site for a new military cemetery, partly as a symbolic gesture to ensure that the Lees could never return to their home. The first army burials at Arlington took place on May 13, 1864, forever changing the purpose of the estate.
3. The Cemetery Spans Over 600 Acres
Covering 624 acres, Arlington National Cemetery is about the size of 472 American football fields. This vast expanse is home to over 400,000 graves, including veterans from every U.S. conflict. Each year, Arlington National Cemetery hosts two major remembrance ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, where thousands gather to honor those who have served. These solemn events, often attended by the President, highlight the nation’s gratitude and respect for its military heroes.
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