The land that makes up Arlington National Cemetery once belonged to George Washington Parke Custis, grandson of Martha Washington and step-grandson of George Washington. In 1857, Curtis willed the 1,100 acre property to his daughter Mary Anna Randolph Custis, who was married to Robert E. Lee. After the Lee family vacated the estate in 1861 at the onset of the Civil War, federal troops occupied the property as a camp and headquarters.
In 1863, the government established Freedman’s Village on a portion of the estate as a way to assist slaves transitioning to freedom.
As the number of Civil War casualties was outpacing other local cemeteries, the property became a burial location. The first military burial took place on May 13, 1864.
Arlington National Cemetery has evolved from a place of necessity to a national shrine to those who have honorably served our Nation during times of war and during times of peace. The cemetery is the final resting place for more than 400,000 active duty service members, veterans and their families.
We LOVED our visit to the National Cemetery. It truly is hallowed ground. Very sobering experience, but one that made me proud to be an American. 🙂