The Civil War
Arlington National Cemetery exists because of the Civil War. Arlington officially became a national cemetery on June 15, 1864, but the U.S. Army had occupied the property since 1861 — due to its strategic location on high ground just across from Washington, D.C. During the war, thousands of Civil War soldiers were buried here, and numerous Civil War-era monuments and memorials honor their service and sacrifice. A thriving Freedman's Village, a community of formerly enslaved African Americans, also once existed on this property. These learning materials highlight the diverse stories of individuals who fought in and/or were affected by the nation's bloodiest conflict: White and Black, military and civilian, well-known officers and "ordinary" enlisted soldiers.

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) 

Walking Tour: Freedman's Village

The southern sections of Arlington National Cemetery contain the former site of Freedman’s Village — a community of formerly enslaved African Americans, established in 1863. Freedman’s Village evolved into a unique and thriving community, and it had a lasting legacy. Learn more and explore other nearby Civil War gravesites.
  • Distance: ~.6 miles
  • Exertion Level: Moderate
  • Starting point: Section 3 (1.5 miles from Welcome Center) 

Lesson Plan: The Freedpeople of Section 27

Although Arlington National Cemetery is a military cemetery, it contains a section where thousands of African American civilians were buried between 1864 and 1867.
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

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.

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.

 

Lesson Plan: African American Celebrated Unit – United States Colored Troops, Civil War

The United States Colored Troops (official U.S. Army name), or U.S.C.T., were Civil War regiments composed of African Americans.
Although African Americans had fought in the military since the Revolutionary War, the formation of the U.S.C.T. was the first time that the U.S. Army had actively recruited them. Their service opened the door for future generations of African Americans in the military. Students learn about the U.S.C.T. and explore their significance in historical and cultural context. Resources include a PowerPoint slide deck and handout.
  • One class period, 15-20 minutes total