How large is Arlington National Cemetery?
How large is Arlington National Cemetery?
639 acres
Arlington officially became a national cemetery on June 15, 1864, by order of Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. The original cemetery was 200 acres, and has since grown to 639 acres (as of early 2020).
How large was Robert E. Lee’s plantation in Arlington Virginia?
1,100 acres
Arlington encompassed 1,100 acres, where Custis-owned slaves cultivated crops including corn and wheat. After the 1857 death of his father-in-law, Lee took over management of the estate, which his wife had inherited.
Did Arlington cemetery belong to Robert E. Lee?
Arlington National Cemetery is a U.S. military cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, outside Washington, D.C. The site, once the home of legendary Confederate Army commander Robert E. Lee, is now the burial ground for more than 400,000 active duty service members, veterans and family members.
How much space is left in Arlington cemetery?
The eligible population is more than 22 million currently today, we have less than 85,000 spaces.”
Who was the first soldier buried in Arlington National Cemetery?
Private William Henry Christman
The first military burials took place at Arlington on May 13, 1864 in section 27. Private William Henry Christman was the first burial.
Who originally owned Arlington Cemetery?
George Washington Parke Custis
The Arlington estate was originally owned by George Washington Parke Custis, adopted grandson of George Washington. His daughter Mary Anna Randolph Custis, who married Robert E. Lee, inherited the estate. It was abandoned by the Lees during the Civil War and used as headquarters for the Union army.
Are there bodies buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
Four people have been buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, one each for World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. However, the body buried on behalf of soldiers in Vietnam was later exhumed. The crypt for Vietnam was left vacant, leaving the remains of three people at the memorial.
Can Purple Heart recipients be buried at Arlington?
Due to limited space, only honorably discharged members in certain categories are eligible for burial in Arlington National Cemetery, this includes: Members who died on active duty and their immediate family. Retirees and their immediate family. Recipients of the Purple Heart, or Silver Star and above.
How many acres does Arlington National Cemetery have?
The original cemetery was 200 acres, and has since grown to 639 acres (as of early 2020). Arlington became a segregated cemetery, just like all national cemeteries at the time, and remained segregated by race and rank until 1948, when President Harry S. Truman desegregated the military.
What is the oldest military grave at Arlington Cemetery?
The grave of William Christman, a Private from the 67th Pennsylvania is the oldest military grave at Arlington. Christman was laid to rest on May 13, 1864. Christman was laid to rest on May 13, 1864. [4] Letter, Sec. Edwin M. Stanton to Quartermaster Gen. Montgomery Meigs, June 15, 1864.
How many people are buried in Section 16 of Arlington Cemetery?
The Confederate section (Section 16) contains the graves of 482 veterans and spouses. After World War I, more than 2,000 U.S. service members were repatriated to Arlington National Cemetery, and interred in Sections 18 and 19.
When did Arlington Cemetery become a segregated cemetery?
Arlington became a segregated cemetery, just like all national cemeteries at the time, and remained segregated by race and rank until 1948, when President Harry S. Truman desegregated the military. The primary burial ground for white Civil War soldiers became Section 13.
