The Hidden History of Arlington Cemetery

 

Arlington House

Mary and Robert E. Lee lived in Arlington House until 1861 when Virginia seceded from the Union and Lee went south to join the Confederate army. Union troops moved into an subsequently took possession of the estate which became a national cemetery.

 Neither Robert E. Lee nor his wife ever set foot in Arlington House again. After the death of his parents, George Washington Custis Lee claimed that the house and land had been illegally confiscated and that, according to his grandfather's will, he was the legal owner.

 In December 1882, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, returned the property to George Washington Custis Lee, stating that it had been confiscated without due process.

Would the dead have to be transferred to a new site?  General Lee's son diffused the crisis by selling the house and land to the government for its’ fair market value.

Suggested Reading:

On Hallowed Ground: TheStory of Arlington National Cemetery

A definitive, deeply researched history of Arlington National Cemetery. This book guides readers from the estate’s Civil War origins to its role as America’s most sacred military burial ground. Perfect for anyone wanting the full story behind the land, the legends, and the legacy.

Section 27 and Freedman’s Village in Arlington National Cemetery

A powerful exploration of the cemetery’s lesser‑known African American history. This book uncovers the stories of Freedman’s Village and Section 27, offering essential context for readers interested in Arlington’s hidden past and the lives of formerly enslaved people who lived there.

Arlington National Cemetery: A Guided Tour Through History A concise, visitor‑friendly guide that blends narrative history with practical touring insights. Ideal for readers planning a visit or wanting a structured overview of Arlington’s evolution from plantation to national shrine.

Arlington NationalCemetery (Images of America Series)

A rich photographic history capturing Arlington’s transformation across decades. This visual collection is perfect for readers who want to see the cemetery’s past through archival images and rare historical photographs.

Arlington NationalCemetery: The History of America’s Most Famous Military Cemetery

A broad, accessible overview of Arlington’s founding, Civil War roots, and national significance. Excellent for general readers seeking a clear, engaging introduction to the cemetery’s place in American memory.

Civil War Graves of Northern Virginia

Virginia Legends and Lore