Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia Provides Historic Attraction. Anyone staying in or passing through Arlington should make the Arlington National Cemetery a part of their vacation. The cemetery grounds are home to the Arlington House and some 25,000 grave sites. This is often chosen as a final resting spot for casualties of war and honorary war veterans from a number of different wars, explorers, and even prominent historical figures.
Built in the early 1800’s as a living memorial to George Washington, the Arlington House was constructed by George Washington Parke Custis, the adopted grandson of George Washington, to whom the mansion was intended to be a living memorial. The home was finished in pieces and the north wing, which was completed first, became a place to store the many memorabilia items that were collected by Custis. After George Washington Parke Custis and his wife passed, the home and land went to May Anna Randolph Custis and her husband, Robert E. Lee and then their eldest son George Washington Custis Lee.
However, the most impressive fact about Arlington National Cemetery includes the number of historical figures that are there. Some of these national heroes are past presidents of the United States, chief justices of the United States, and associate justices of the United States Supreme Court.
There are two presidents of the United States buried at Arlington National Cemetery. William Howard Taft, who was also a chief justice of the United States on the U.S. Supreme Court, was the first president to be buried in Arlington. The other president, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, was buried in Arlington National Cemetery after his assassination and the first lady’s decree that the president “belonged to the people.”
Other historical figures include Glenn Miller, several astronauts including the seven Challenger astronauts that are memorialized near the Memorial Amphitheater, and many prominent explorers who received the Medal of Honor. There are also a number of casualties of war and honorary war veterans from the American Revolution, Beirut and Granada, Operation “Just Cause” Panama, and the Persian Gulf War. There are also members of the USS Liberty, USS Serpens, and USS Stark, as well as World War II Medal of Honor Recipients.
More than four million people stop by Arlington National Cemetery each year. In addition to those who visit for touring and exhibitions, there are also nearly 100 funerals conducted per week. The center for visitors is often the first place for many as it provides maps, guidebooks, information services, a bookstore, and restrooms.
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, Virginia 22211
(703) 607-8000
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