Across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Arlington National Cemetery is a military burial ground and place of remembrance in Virginia. Its quiet, carefully tended hills are lined with white headstones, and the grounds hold memorials and graves of national figures. Watch the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, then visit President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite and its Eternal Flame. Arlington House, high above the cemetery, adds another layer of history and views toward Washington.
A cemetery shaped by the Civil War
Arlington National Cemetery lies in Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The national cemetery was established in 1864, during the Civil War, on land associated with the Custis and Lee families. Before it became a burial ground, the estate belonged to George Washington Parke Custis, Martha Washington’s grandson. His daughter, Mary Anna Custis Lee, married Robert E. Lee.
Arlington House, built by enslaved people, was the estate’s main residence. The house and plantation later passed to Mary Anna Custis Lee and her husband. The land’s history includes both the Lee family and the people enslaved there; Freedman’s Village, a community for formerly enslaved people, was also located on part of the property. Today, Arlington House and its grounds offer visitors a way to consider this history alongside the cemetery’s role as a place of national remembrance.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier honors unidentified service members. Its guard ceremony is a central part of a visit: watch the precise movements and formal handover in silence, and give the occasion the respect it calls for. The tomb has been guarded continuously since 1937. The cemetery also contains the Memorial Amphitheater, one of the sites visitors can reach while exploring the grounds.
The ceremony is a meaningful reason to plan your route around the cemetery’s main landmarks. The site is large, so a tram can help you reach key stops without walking the full distance. You can also explore on foot, allowing time to pause at memorials and graves along the way.
Notable graves and Arlington House
President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite is marked by an Eternal Flame, and members of the Kennedy family are buried nearby. The grounds also include the graves of President William Howard Taft and other notable Americans, as well as memorials to service members. Rows of pale headstones extend across the lawns and hills, giving the cemetery its distinctive, carefully ordered appearance.
Arlington House stands on a hill overlooking the cemetery and the Potomac. The site includes the house, gardens and outbuildings, among them former slave quarters. It is a place to learn about the Custis and Lee families and the plantation’s history, not only to take in the view. Set aside time for the visit: the cemetery covers a broad area, and the main points of interest are spread across its grounds.
FAQ
Is Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.?
No. It is in Arlington, Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
What are the main sights at Arlington National Cemetery?
Key stops include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and its Changing of the Guard, John F. Kennedy’s gravesite and Eternal Flame, and Arlington House.
Can you get around the cemetery by tram?
Yes. A tram tour connects major sites, and visitors can get on and off at stops. Walking is also an option, but the grounds are extensive and hilly.
When is a quieter time to visit?
Early in the day or on a weekday is suggested for a more peaceful visit.
