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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.

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.