Arlington National Cemetery's Education Program is now on Canvas!  Learn More
 
The Civil War Era
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 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, as well as Reconstruction.

Lesson Plan: “Buffalo Soldiers”

In 1866, Congress established the U.S. Army’s all-Black 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments and 24th and 25th Infantry Regiments, later known as the “Buffalo Soldiers,” to serve on the western frontier.
Students learn about the Buffalo Soldiers and explore their significance in historical and cultural context. Resources include a PowerPoint slide deck and handout.
  • One class period, 15-20 minutes total

Teacher Materials

Student Materials

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.

Lesson Plan: Memorial Day

Lesson plans designed for elementary and middle school students (but suitable for all ages) explain the origins and purpose of Memorial Day, as well as its connections to Arlington National Cemetery's history.