Arlington National Cemetery's Education Program is now on Canvas!  Learn More
 
Revolutionary War
As the nation’s founding conflict, the American Revolution (1775–1783) introduced ideals such as liberty, equality, and self-government that continue to shape the nation today. Although Arlington National Cemetery was established decades later, the legacy of the American Revolution can be explored here. Eleven veterans of the Revolutionary War are buried at Arlington, and many individuals honored here spent their lives defending and expanding the ideals first articulated in the Declaration of Independence. Through the stories of these people, students and lifelong learners can explore how the principles of the American Revolution have influenced American history and continue to be remembered at Arlington National Cemetery.

Designing a Capital City

Students will consider how the design of a capital city reflects the values, history, and aspirations of a nation’s people. By analyzing Revolutionary War veteran Pierre L'Enfant's plan for Washington, D.C., they will identify core American civic values and use those to design their own ideal capital city. 
 

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Lesson Plan: 250 Years of Defending American Ideals

Students will review American ideals in the Declaration of Independence and examine how those ideals have been defended by individuals buried at ANC. They will analyze primary sources, create a poster exhibit, and reflect on how such ideals shape their own lives.
 

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Lesson Plan: Applying the Principles of the Declaration of Independence

Students will review the Declaration of Independence, learn about five people buried at Arlington National Cemetery though primary and secondary sources, and then discuss how those individuals’ actions connect to quotes from the Declaration.

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