Today in History: Arlington National Cemetery

Sailor and girl at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Washington, D.C.
Today in History–May 13–the Library of Congress features Arlington National Cemetery. On this day in 1864  a Confederate prisoner of war was buried on the grounds of Arlington House in Virginia, on the Potomac River opposite Washington, D.C. Today, the cemetery is the final resting place for soldiers from every war in which the United States has participated, including the American Revolution and each year Memorial Day is honored by placing a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknowns. In addition to soldiers, you will also find the graves of some presidents and first ladies, including John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access primary sources related to Arlington National Cemetery.

Arlington National Cemetery image set

Arlington National Cemetery legislation

Newspaper articles related to Arlington National Cemetery

Historic Arlington. A history of the National cemetery from its establishment to the present time c 1892

Reunion and dedication of monument at Arlington national cemetery October 21, 1896

Address of President Wilson accepting the monument in memory of the Confederate dead at Arlington national cemetery 1914

Program of the ceremonies at the dedication of the Arlington memorial amphitheater, National cemetry [sic], Arlington, Virginia May 15, 1920

Coolidge Speech: Address . . . at the Memorial Exercises, Arlington National Cemetery May 30, 1927

Map of the Arlington, Va. National Cemetery

In Memoriam: O’er Arlington Hights” (sheet music)

Arlington National Cemetery: Where Every Day We Remember Worlds Revealed: Geography & Maps

A Walk Through Arlington National Cemetery In Custodia Legis

Today in History: Memorial Day

Today in History: Veterans Day