Throughout U.S. history, African Americans have fought bravely for the United States and distinguished themselves in combat. This walking tour includes gravesites and memorials that honor the service of these heroic individuals. 

• Length: 5 miles
• Starting point: Section 40 (0.4 miles from Welcome Center)
• Because this walking tour is quite long, we recommend completing it in smaller sections.

On November 11, 1921, an unknown American soldier who died in World War I was laid to rest at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. On this walking tour, you will visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the gravesites of several individuals who took part in the Unknown’s 1921 burial ceremony. You will also explore other sites in the cemetery that invite reflection on the sacrifices of those who gave not only their lives, but also their names and identities in the service of the United States.

• Length: 2 miles
• Starting point: Section 5 (.3 miles from Welcome Center)

In 2014, to commemorate its 150th anniversary, Arlington National Cemetery established this historic landscape as Memorial Arboretum. In 2018, Memorial Arboretum was accredited as a Level III Arboretum--one of only 24 institutions worldwide to maintain this prestigious accreditation. While strolling through these hallowed grounds, consider how the landscape contributes to Arlington's mission to honor and remember the service and sacrifice of individuals buried here. 

• Distance: 2.5 miles for regular walking tour; 2 miles for school group walking tour
• Exertion Level: Moderate
• Starting point: Section 31 (.2 miles from Welcome Center) 

Learn about the historical significance of the Spanish-American War by visiting the gravesites of individuals who played prominent roles in it, as well as the USS Maine Memorial, the Spanish-American War Memorial and other monuments.

• Length: 1.2 miles
• Starting point: Section 24 (1 mile from Welcome Center)

In this lesson, students will examine primary sources related to the experiences of two women, both buried at Arlington National Cemetery, who served on the homefront in different ways. While the focus of this lesson is on analyzing primary sources and creative writing, through the lives of the two women highlighted students will also learn about the broader meanings of service and sacrifice during World War II, both in the military and on the homefront.

• One or two class periods, 90 minutes total

The lesson also explores the expansion of career opportunities for women in military medicine before and after the war, and it addresses the different experiences of white women and women of color. Resources include quotes, images and cards with profiles of individual nurses. Students complete a gallery walk or work in groups on a jigsaw of teacher-curated resources.

• Elementary: One class period, 45-60 minutes total
• Middle: 1-2 class periods, 60-75 minutes total
• High: 1-2 class periods, 60-75 minutes total

In 1887, the government decided to close Freedman’s Village and evict the residents. After analyzing documents and summarizing the arguments on both sides of the issue—should Freedman’s Village be closed or remain open?—students choose their own stance and respond to a reflection question. For an extension opportunity, students can write a letter to the secretary of war explaining what they think should be done.

• Elementary School: 1-3 class periods, 45-120 minutes total
• Middle School: 1-2 class periods, 60-90 minutes total
• High School: 1-2 class periods, 60-90 minutes total

Through a class lecture and exploration of a Section 27 burial record, students explore what life may have been like for free African Americans during the years surrounding the Civil War. Students will write a short obituary for one of the African American civilians on the burial record.

• Elementary School: 1 class period, 45-60 minutes total
• Middle School: 1-2 class periods, 70-90 minutes total
• High School: 1-2 class periods, 70-90 minutes total

Timeline cards can be printed and ordered to give students an overview of important events during the Reconstruction era. For students who will be visiting Arlington National Cemetery, an optional set of Freedman’s Village timeline cards can also be printed and used.

• One class period, 15-30 minutes

These lessons, designed for elementary and middle-school students, can either be used as a unit culminating activity or, with modifications, as an introductory activity to a unit on plants and the environment. Resources include a PowerPoint, plant cards, cemetery maps, a worksheet, and a grading rubric.

• One class period, 45-60 minutes total

• Length: 5 miles
• Starting point: Section 33 (0.5 miles from Welcome Center)
• Because this walking tour is quite long, we recommend completing it in smaller sections.

Optional materials discussing Memorial Day and Veterans Day, along with their connections to the Tomb, are also included. Students will use the information they learn to reflect upon what the Tomb and/or holiday means to American society and to them. Resources include PowerPoint presentations and student reflection worksheets. 

• One class period, 45-60 minutes total

This lesson can be used alone or as an extension to “Who’s Buried at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?”

• One class period, 15-20 minutes

This lesson can be used alone or as an extension to “Who’s Buried at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?”

 

• One class period, 15-20 minutes

Resources for teachers include handouts and a PowerPoint-guided lesson on the United States' geographic expansion.

• One class period, 35-45 minutes total

Timeline cards can be printed and ordered chronologically to give students an overview of events in the war.

• One class period, 15-30 minutes total