Walking Tour: African American Military Heroes Learn about the lives of Tuskegee Airmen, members of the 369th Infantry Infantry Regiment (the “Harlem Hellfighters”), Medal of Honor recipients and more. 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. Read More
Lifelong Learners: Nurses in the Spanish-American War Through historical photographs and written accounts, learn about the role of female nurses during the Spanish-American War. Materials also examine how nursing expanded opportunities for women in the military.
Lifelong Learners: Personal Accounts of the Spanish-American War Explore photographs and personal accounts that tell firsthand stories about the Spanish-American War. Learners of all ages can use these primary sources in order to understand how Americans experienced the war in different ways.
Walking Tour: Segregation and Civil Rights Explore Arlington’s past as a plantation, learn about the Freedman's Village built on this property during the Civil War, and meet some trailblazers of the civil rights movement. The history of African Americans at Arlington National Cemetery parallels and reflects the history of African Americans in the United States. This walking tour includes sites related to slavery, Reconstruction, segregation, the civil rights movement, and the continuing contributions of African Americans to the U.S. military and society. Length: 5 miles Starting point: Section 36 (0.2 miles from Welcome Center) Because this walking tour is quite long, we recommend completing it in smaller sections. Read More
Walking Tour: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the gravesites of individuals related to the Tomb's history. 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) Read More
Walking Tour: Memorial Arboretum Arlington National Cemetery's 639 acres of rolling green hills, with nearly 9,000 trees, serve as a living tribute to the veterans and their family members laid to rest here. Our walking tours explore highlights of Memorial Arboretum. 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) Read More
Walking Tour: Arts and Culture This walking tour honors a selection of artists buried at Arlington: writers, actors, photographers, musicians, and more. They created for different reasons, at different times, and with different backgrounds, but they all shared a need to create and express who they were and how they saw the world through their work. Distance: ~3 miles Exertion Level: Moderate Starting point: Section 2 (.4 miles from Welcome Center) Read More
Walking Tour: The Spanish-American War Arlington National Cemetery contains more monuments and burial sites related to the Spanish-American War than any other location in the continental United States. 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) Read More
Walking Tours: World War II These six walking tours share some of the diverse experiences and individual stories of those who fought abroad or worked on the home front during World War II. The main walking tour includes stops across the entire cemetery, while the four cluster tours only include stops in one of the four main sections of the cemetery. The school tour is an abridged version of the main tour.
Walking Tours: The Civil War Thousands of Civil War service members are buried at Arlington National Cemetery — which itself originated during the Civil War. On this tour, you will explore some of their stories; learn why the U.S. Army first occupied the property in 1861; and discover the histories of enslavement and emancipation that this land also embodies. Distance: ~5 miles (full tour); ~2.5 miles (student tour)/li> Exertion Level: High Starting point: Section 27 (.5 miles from Welcome Center) Read More
Walking Tour: Explorers Throughout its history, the U.S. military has explored — first over the earth via land and sea, then into the skies, and finally into space. This legacy of exploration can be seen here at Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place of many people who expanded our understanding of the earth, air, and space. Length: 3.5 miles Starting point: Section 2 (0.4 miles from Welcome Center) Exertion Level: High Read More
Walking Tour: Military Medicine Explore the history of military medicine — from the Civil War to the present — through the stories of pioneering individuals buried at Arlington National Cemetery: physicians, nurses, inventors, and organizational leaders. The tour also examines the historical relationship between wars and medical innovations that advanced capabilities to save lives, both military and civilian. Distance: ~4 miles. This tour is long. Consider completing it across two visits (Stops 1-7 and Stops 8-18) and/or taking the tram: click here for information. Exertion level: High Starting point: Section 2 (.5 miles from Welcome Center) Read More
Walking Tour: Women's Military Service Women have played key roles in supporting the U.S. military, formally or informally, since the Revolutionary War. At ANC, gravesites and memorials mark numerous milestones in the history of women’s military service. As you explore the cemetery, consider how the stories of women in the military can deepen your understanding of well-known conflicts and societal progress, and think about how many more stories could still be told. Distance: ~4 miles. Shorten your walk by taking the tram: click here for information. Exertion level: High Starting point: Section 35 (.7 miles from Welcome Center) Read More
Lifelong Learners: Freedman’s Village at Arlington Freedman’s Village was a community of formerly enslaved African Americans established on the former Arlington estate in 1863. Through historical photos and personal accounts, learn about life in the village and the circumstances surrounding its eventual closure. Read More
Lifelong Learners: The Freedpeople of Section 27 In Section 27 of Arlington National Cemetery, thousands of headstones inscribed with “citizen” or “civilian” mark the resting places of free or formerly enslaved African Americans who died in and around Washington, D.C. from 1863 to 1867. Read about who these people were and how they came to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, and then explore a burial record for this section. Read More
Recommended Reading: World War II Perspectives World War II was a people’s war. Mobilization for the war affected the lives of every American. The collection of firsthand accounts compiled here ― all from individuals buried at Arlington National Cemetery ― include stories of love and loss, discrimination and perseverance, and horror and joy. Drawn from oral histories, interviews and personal writings, they provide small slices of the larger story of the United States’ experience in World War II. Read More
Walking Tours: Medal of Honor Our three Medal of Honor walking tours, focused on different geographical parts of the cemetery, feature a selection of these distinguished service members' stories. Tours range in length from 2 to 3 miles. Historical biographies of each Medal of Honor recipient featured can also be used for virtual learning.
Walking Tour: Navy From its founding in the 18th century to today, the U.S. Navy has played a leading role in American military operations as well as scientific innovation and exploration. On this tour, you’ll be introduced to pioneers from across Navy history. These men and women pushed geographic and technological boundaries, and they showed ingenuity and courage in the face of war. Length: 4 miles Starting point: Section 54 (0.3 miles from Welcome Center) Exertion Level: Moderate Read More
Walking Tour: Marine Corps As America’s expeditionary force in readiness since 1775, the Marines are forward deployed to fight the nation’s land, sea, and air battles. On this tour, you’ll learn about individuals who exemplified the Marines’ core values of honor, courage and commitment. They include men and women who changed the historical trajectory of the Corps, alongside those who served in some of the Marines’ most famous actions. Length: 4 miles Starting point: Section 33 (0.5 miles from Welcome Center) Exertion Level: High Read More
Walking Tour: Coast Guard The history of the Coast Guard is that of survival: the survival of the service and the survival of the individuals it was created to save. On this tour, you’ll be introduced to commandants who led the Coast Guard through tremendous change, visionaries who changed how the Coast Guard performed its duties, and everyday people who risked their lives to save the lives of others. Length: 4 miles Starting point: Section 3 (0.94 miles from Welcome Center) Exertion Level: Moderate Read More
Walking Tour: Army The Army is the oldest and largest service branch in the U.S. military, tracing its roots to the Continental Army established in 1775. Throughout its history, the U.S. Army has continually risen to meet the ever-changing needs of an expanding and diverse nation. This tour features individuals from throughout the Army’s history who exemplify this diversity and change, from enlisted soldiers to five-star officers. Length: 5 miles Starting point: Section 27 (0.5 miles from Welcome Center) Exertion Level: High Read More
Walking Tour: Air Force Since 1947, the Air Force has developed and used advances in aerial warfare to defend the United States from threats in air, space, and cyberspace. This focus on progress and innovation has attracted many trailblazers. On this walking tour, you’ll meet individuals who made daring decisions in battle, pressed the limits of their field, and expanded the capabilities of the Air Force. Length: 3 miles Starting point: Section 2 (0.3 miles from Welcome Center) Exertion Level: Moderate Read More
Recommended Reading: The Spanish-American War Check out these resources if you are interested in learning more about the Spanish-American War.
Walking Tour: Women's Rights This tour highlights some women you may be surprised to find buried at ANC, since they themselves did not serve in the military and are buried alongside their military spouses. As civilians, however, these women made important contributions to American society and women’s long struggle for equality. As you explore the cemetery, consider the meanings of service and rights — and women whose names have not been traditionally remembered or honored in the historical record. Distance: ~5 miles. Shorten your walk by taking the tram: click here for information. Exertion level: High Starting point: Section 30 (.2 miles from Welcome Center) Read More
Walking Tour: Military Intelligence Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of many individuals who shaped the United States’ modern intelligence programs — both military and civilian. This walking tour features the stories of major figures in the history of U.S. intelligence. Distance: 3.5 miles Exertion Level:High Starting point: Section 30 (.2 miles from Welcome Center) Read More
Lifelong Learners: Science & Technology at ANC Part of Arlington National Cemetery's mission is to preserve and maintain the cemetery and its historic buildings, monuments, and headstones for current and future visitors. Learn more about how ANC uses science and technology to maintain the cemetery.
Walking Tour: Understanding Arlington More than 400,000 veterans and their eligible dependents are buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The history of our nation is reflected on the grounds of the cemetery. Take this self-guided walking tour to explore highlights of ANC. Length: 3 miles Starting point: Welcome Center Exertion Level: Moderate Read More
Walking Tour: Military Technology This walking tour honors those individuals buried at Arlington who dedicated their careers to technology and innovation. Some, like Hyman Rickover and Grace Hopper, did so while serving in the military. Others, like George Westinghouse, contributed to technological advancement outside of their military service. Length: 3 miles Starting point: Section 5 (0.4 miles from Welcome Center) Exertion Level: Moderate Read More
Lifelong Learners: Explorers Buried at ANC Learn about the history of explorations and missions carried out by individuals buried at Arlington National Cemetery — from polar explorers to astronauts.
Memorial Arboretum: Seasonal Guides Whether visiting in the spring, summer, fall or winter, there is always something to see in Arlington National Cemetery's Memorial Arboretum. Download our seasonal guides for recommendations on horticulture highlights for each season.
Recommended Reading: African American History at ANC Explore recommended secondary sources on the history of African Americans and Arlington National Cemetery, from the Civil War through the civil rights movement.
Walking Tour: African American Trailblazers This walking tour celebrates the achievements of African American men and women in the U.S. military who made historic contributions to American society 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. Read More
Explore: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Dedicated on November 11, 1921, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has served for nearly a century as a hallowed site of national mourning and remembrance. Through this image-rich document, learn about the history of the Tomb's first one hundred years. Read More
Understanding Arlington Whether you are planning to visit the cemetery or explore it from home, download our guides to understand more about the history, traditions and operations of Arlington National Cemetery.