The Historical Background of Arlington National Cemetery: Before It Became a Memorial

Arlington National Cemetery is a renowned memorial in the United States, honoring military personnel and their families. Its rich history is intertwined with the complex fate of a property that once belonged to prominent American figures. This article delves into the ownership history of the land that now houses the cemetery, with a focus on its early days of plantation ownership under George Washington Parke Custis and its later transformation during the Civil War.

Ownership Before the Civil War

Arlington National Cemetery stands on what was once a sprawling plantation, owned by George Washington Parke Custis, the only grandson of Martha Dandridge Custis Washington (George Washington's wife) and the step-grandson of President George Washington (John Adams).

This plantation was inherited by Martha and George Washington’s granddaughter, Mary Anna Randolph Custis, who married Robert E. Lee. Thus, the property passed to the Lee family, with Robert E. Lee residing there and eventually making it his home. The estate was known as 'Arlington House,' a symbol of the Washington-Lee lineage.

The Civil War and Its Impact

During the Civil War, the land’s ownership became fraught with controversy. The Lee family faced significant difficulties under Union rule. In 1862, due to financial pressures, the estate was confiscated and then turned into a Union Army headquarters. This action was partly a statement of revenge against Robert E. Lee, an officer who had defected to the Confederate side.

A key turning point occurred when the tax collector refused a payment attempt from Mrs. Lee's representative. This refusal led to the sale of the property at a tax auction, where the Union government purchased the land. This symbolic move solidified the property's transformation into what would become Arlington National Cemetery.

Post-War Developments and Legal Battles

After the Civil War, the Lee family tried to regain the property through legal channels. A case reached the Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of Mrs. Custis's right to the land. However, the U.S. government again purchased the property in 1883, paying significantly more than the original tax auction price. This transaction solidified the U.S. government's control over the land and its future use as a national cemetery.

Current Status and Significance

Today, Arlington National Cemetery stands as a solemn tribute, covering over 600 acres. It has expanded through the acquisition of small adjacent lands, providing a resting place for hundreds of thousands of fallen heroes. Notable interments include Presidencies of John F. Kennedy and William Taft, as well as unknown soldiers from major wars.

While the early history of Arlington highlights the plantation ownership and eventual government takeover, it also reflects the complex historical dispossession of Native American lands that occurred under the broader colonization process of the United States.

Conclusion

The story of Arlington National Cemetery is a microcosm of larger historical dynamics, including property ownership, civil conflicts, and the symbolic and practical importance of land in American history. The cemetery serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel while also marking the controversial pathways by which the land came to be used as a place of reverence and remembrance.