Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most important and symbolic places in the United States. Located in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., this historic cemetery serves as the final resting place for more than 400,000 American service members, veterans, and their families. It is not only a burial ground but also a powerful national memorial that honors sacrifice, service, and the history of the United States military.
Visitors from around the world come to Arlington National Cemetery to pay their respects, explore its historic landmarks, and learn about the individuals who shaped the nation’s history. With its peaceful landscape, rows of white marble headstones, and powerful monuments, the cemetery represents both remembrance and national pride.
This guide provides a complete introduction to Arlington National Cemetery, including its history, major attractions, visitor information, and the best ways to reach this historic site.
History of Arlington National Cemetery
The land where Arlington National Cemetery stands today has a deep historical background that dates back to the early years of the United States. Originally, the estate belonged to George Washington Parke Custis, the adopted grandson of President George Washington. Custis built a large mansion on the property known today as Arlington House.
Later, the estate passed to Custis’s daughter, Mary Anna Custis Lee, who was married to Robert E. Lee, a famous Confederate general during the American Civil War. When the Civil War began in 1861, Robert E. Lee left the estate to lead Confederate forces, and the U.S. government eventually seized the property.
Because the war caused a massive number of casualties, the government needed a large burial ground for fallen soldiers. In 1864, the land around Arlington House was officially designated as a national military cemetery. Over time, Arlington National Cemetery became one of the most respected burial sites in the United States.
Today, the cemetery covers more than 600 acres and continues to serve as an active burial ground for eligible military personnel and their families.
Who Is Buried at Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is reserved for individuals who have served the United States with honor. Those eligible for burial include:
- Active-duty military personnel
- Military veterans with honorable service
- Recipients of the nation’s highest military honors
- Presidents and prominent national figures
- Family members of eligible service members
Among the many notable individuals buried at Arlington are President John F. Kennedy, Supreme Court justices, astronauts, and military heroes from multiple wars.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
One of the most famous and moving sites in Arlington National Cemetery is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This monument honors unidentified soldiers who died in combat while serving the United States.
The tomb was first established in 1921 to honor an unidentified soldier from World War I. Later, remains from World War II and the Korean War were also placed there. The tomb symbolizes all unidentified American soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
One of the most powerful traditions associated with this monument is the Changing of the Guard ceremony. The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by specially trained soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment, also known as “The Old Guard.” The ceremony attracts thousands of visitors who come to witness this solemn and respectful ritual.
The Grave of President John F. Kennedy
Another major attraction within the cemetery is the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy. After his assassination in 1963, President Kennedy was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His gravesite includes the famous Eternal Flame, which continues to burn as a symbol of his lasting legacy.
The Kennedy gravesite is one of the most visited locations in the cemetery and also includes the graves of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and other members of the Kennedy family.
Arlington House: The Robert E. Lee Memorial
Located on a hill overlooking the cemetery is Arlington House, the historic mansion once owned by Robert E. Lee and his family. The house now serves as a museum that tells the story of the Custis and Lee families and explains how the estate eventually became a national cemetery.
Visitors can walk through the restored rooms of the mansion and enjoy stunning views of Washington, D.C., including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Capitol Building.
Memorials and Monuments
In addition to thousands of graves, Arlington National Cemetery contains many memorials dedicated to important events and groups in American history.
Some notable memorials include:
- The Challenger Space Shuttle Memorial
- The Columbia Space Shuttle Memorial
- The USS Maine Mast Memorial
- The Women in Military Service for America Memorial
These monuments honor individuals and groups who played important roles in American history and military service.
Walking Through the Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is vast, and exploring it can take several hours. Visitors often walk along peaceful pathways lined with rows of white marble headstones, each representing a life dedicated to service.
The cemetery’s layout is designed to reflect dignity and respect. The orderly rows of graves create a powerful visual reminder of the sacrifices made by generations of Americans.
Because of the size of the cemetery, many visitors choose to use the Arlington National Cemetery Tour, a shuttle service that stops at major landmarks throughout the grounds.
How to Get to Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is conveniently located near Washington, D.C., and can be reached by several transportation methods.
By Metro
One of the easiest ways to reach the cemetery is by using the Washington Metro system. The Arlington Cemetery Metro Station on the Blue Line stops directly at the cemetery entrance. From the station, visitors can walk a short distance to the main visitor center.
By Car
Visitors traveling by car can reach the cemetery via Memorial Avenue or Arlington Memorial Bridge from Washington, D.C. Parking is available at the Arlington National Cemetery Welcome Center.
By Bus
Several public bus routes also stop near the cemetery, making it accessible for travelers staying in Washington, D.C., or nearby areas in Virginia.
By Tour Bus
Many Washington, D.C. sightseeing tours include Arlington National Cemetery as part of their itinerary. These guided tours provide transportation and historical explanations about the site.
Visitor Information
Arlington National Cemetery is open to the public throughout the year, although hours may vary depending on the season.
Visitors should remember that the cemetery is an active burial ground and a place of remembrance. Respectful behavior is expected at all times. Loud activities, running, and inappropriate photography are discouraged.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended because the cemetery covers a large area and involves significant walking.
Best Time to Visit
Arlington National Cemetery can be visited year‑round, but spring and autumn are particularly beautiful. During these seasons, the landscape features blooming flowers or colorful fall leaves that add to the peaceful atmosphere.
Memorial Day is one of the most significant times at the cemetery. During this holiday, volunteers place small American flags at every grave in a powerful tribute known as “Flags In.”
Why Arlington National Cemetery Matters
Arlington National Cemetery is more than a burial ground. It is a place where history, sacrifice, and national memory come together. Each headstone represents a story of courage and service, reminding visitors of the cost of freedom and the individuals who dedicated their lives to protecting it.
For many families, Arlington is a sacred place where loved ones are honored with dignity. For visitors, it is an opportunity to reflect on history and pay respect to those who served their country.
Conclusion
Arlington National Cemetery stands as one of the most meaningful landmarks in the United States. With its historic monuments, notable gravesites, and powerful traditions such as the Changing of the Guard, the cemetery offers a deeply moving experience for anyone who visits.
Located just minutes from Washington, D.C., it is easily accessible and remains one of the most visited memorial sites in the nation. Whether exploring the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, walking through rows of marble headstones, or learning about American history at Arlington House, visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by generations of service members.
A visit to Arlington National Cemetery is not only a historical journey but also a moment of reflection, respect, and remembrance.