| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — Abingdon |
| | Birthplace of Nellie Custis
the adopted daughter of
General George Washington
Original land grant 1669
Purchased by John Parke Custis
in 1778 from the Alexanders
for whom Alexandria Virginia
was named
Destroyed by fire in 1930
The ruins preserved 1933 by the
Washington Branch of the
Association for the Preservation
of Virginia Antiquities — Map (db m15867) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — Abingdon Plantation |
| | The land that Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport occupies today was once part of Abingdon Plantation. Abingdon was the home of George Washington’s stepson, John Parke Custis, and birthplace of Washington’s beloved granddaughter, Nelly.
Historically intertwined with prominent families of Virginia, Abingdon weathered the Civil War and the end of plantation live. The encroachment of industry finally took its toll on Abingdon, which deteriorated until it burned in 1930. The ruins of the . . . — Map (db m8381) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — Abingdon Plantation Restoration |
| | The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority worked in concert with Federal, state and local historic preservation agencies and professionals in the field to develop the restoration plan for the Abingdon Plantation site. The restoration process involved:
• careful excavation and cataloguing of all archaeological features below ground
• repairs to the original brick foundations, retaining as much of the original building material as possible
• restoring unstable portions of the . . . — Map (db m8386) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — Alcova |
| | The oldest part of this house may date from 1836 when John M. Young, a Washington wheelright and carriage maker, purchased the farm from Thomas Hodges, planted a large orchard and used the place as a summer home. In 1905, the farm was acquired by former Virginia State Senator Joseph Cloyd Byars, who several years later expanded the house. Senator Byars named the house Alcova for Alexandria County, Va. (renamed Arlington County in 1920). Byars also developed in this area one . . . — Map (db m884) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — 20 — Battery Garesché |
| | Historical Site Defenses of Washington 1861-1865 Battery Garesché Here stood Battery Garesché, constructed late in 1861 to control the higher ground dominating Fort Reynolds, 200 yards to the southeast. It had a perimeter of 166 yards and emplacements for 8 guns. — Map (db m5164) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — Brandymore Castle |
| | This landmark was first described in 1724 by surveyor Charles Broadwater as "the rock stones called Brandymore Castle." Research in 1972 established that the natural formation matched the boundary descriptions on the 18th century land grands from Lord Fairfax to William Gunnel, James Going and Simon Pearson, George Harrison, John Carlye and John Dalton, and Captain Charles Broadwater. The origin of the name "Brandymore" is unknown, but this rocky outcrop resembles the collapsed battlements of an old castle with four mile run serving as a moat. — Map (db m8180) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — Centennial of Military Aviation — Fort Myer, Virginia — 1908-2008 |
| | This plaque commemerates the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers flights here at Fort Myer from September 3 to 17, 1908. These flights led to a return series of flights from June 29 to July 30 of 1909 culminating in the first ever cross country flight from Fort Myer to Alexandria, Virginia and return. As a result of these test flights the army then signed a contract with the Wright Brothers and purchased the first aeroplane. These flights make Fort Myer the birthplace of military aviation. — Map (db m22830) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — Chain Bridge |
| | In 1797, the merchants of Georgetown built here the first bridge over the Potomac River in order to compete with the Virginia port of Alexandria. The Falls Bridge allowed trade from the "upper country" of Virginia to move directly to Georgetown over the Georgetown-Leesburg Road. After the first two bridges were destroyed by floods, a chain suspension bridge, considered a marvel of engineering with a span of 128 feet between stone towers, was built in 1808. Although this bridge has been replaced . . . — Map (db m3339) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — C 1 — Clay and Randolph Duel |
| | Although dueling was illegal in Virginia, Secretary of State Henry Clay challenged U.S. Senator John Randolph of Roanoke. Clay called Randolph out to defend his honor after Randolph insulted him in a speech on the Senate floor. Randolph confided to Senator Thomas Hart Benton of Missouri that he had no intention of hurting Clay, who was married and had a child. The duel took place on 8 April 1826 a half mile north at Pimmit Run. Both first shots missed their intended targets. Clay’s second shot . . . — Map (db m2315) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — Fort Albany |
| | Immediately to the northwest stood Fort Albany, a bastioned earthwork built in May 1861 to command the approach to the Long Bridge by way of the Columbia Turnpike. It had a perimeter of 429 yards and emplacements for 12 guns. Even after Forts Richardson and Craig were built, 1300 yards to the west and north respectively, the heavy guns of Fort Albany served to support them, and to dominate them if they were captured. The ground on which the Fort stood was cut away during the construction of the Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway in 1942. — Map (db m5258) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — 18 — Fort Barnard |
| | Historical Site Defenses of Washington 1861-1865 Fort Barnard Here stood Fort Barnard, a redoubt constructed late in 1861 to command the approaches to Alexandria by way of Four Mile Run and Glebe Road. It was named for General J. G. Barnard, Chief Engineer of the Defenses of Washington. It had a perimeter of 250 yards and emplacements for 20 guns. — Map (db m5158) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — 1 — Fort Bennett |
| | Historical Site Defenses of Washington 1861-1865 Fort Bennett Here stood Fort Bennett, a small outwork of Fort Corcoran, constructed in May 1861. With a perimeter of 146 yards and emplacements for 5 guns, it was designed to bring under fire the slope northwest of Fort Corcoran, which could not be seen from there. — Map (db m5104) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — 17 — Fort Berry |
| | Historical Site Defenses of Washington 1861-1865 Fort Berry Immediately to the west stood Fort Berry, a redoubt constructed in 1863 at the north flank of the defenses of Alexandria, but also flanking the Columbia Turnpike and the Arlington Line constructed in 1861. It had a perimeter of 215 yards and emplacements for 10 guns. — Map (db m5154) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — Fort C.F. Smith — Defending the Capital |
| | Fort C.F. Smith was constructed in early 1863 as part of the expansion and strengthening of the capital’s defenses that continued throughout the Civil War. With Forts Strong, Morton and Woodbury, Fort C.F. Smith formed the outer perimeter of the fortifications that protected the Aqueduct Bridge of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (located near the site of the present-day Francis Scott Key Bridge). Fort C.F. Smith was built as a lunette with a southern and western face and two flanks, as well as a . . . — Map (db m5099) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — Fort C.F. Smith — Mr. Lincoln’s Forts — Defenses of Washington, 1861-1865 |
| | Fort C.F. Smith was constructed in 1863 on farmland appropriated from William Jewell. The fort was named in honor of Gen. Charles Ferguson Smith, who was instrumental in the Union victory at Fort Donelson, Tennessee in 1862. The fortification was constructed to extend the line of forts to the Potomac River and to command a tributary ravine not covered by Fort Strong. Along with forts Strong, Morton and Woodbury, Fort C.F. Smith functioned as part of the outer perimeter defenses that protected . . . — Map (db m5101) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — Fort C.F. Smith — Protecting the Capital |
| | The ramps in front of you, now covered with grass, led to wooden platforms on which the various cannons were placed. When built in 1863, Fort C.F. Smith had platforms for twenty-two artillery pieces and four siege mortars. However, only sixteen cannons and four mortars were actually placed in the fort. The list of armaments for Fort C.F. Smith included two 6-pounder brass guns, six 4.5 inch guns, four 24-pounder cannons, three 12-pounder howitzers, one 8-inch seacoast howitzer and four 8-inch siege mortars. — Map (db m5102) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — 8 — Fort C.F. Smith |
| | Historical Site Defenses of Washington 1861-1865 Fort C.F. Smith Just to the north are the remains of Fort C.F. Smith. A lunette built early in 1863 to command the high ground north of Spout Run and protect the flank of the Arlington Line. It had a perimeter of 368 yards and emplacements for 22 guns. — Map (db m5103) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — 13 — Fort Cass |
| | Historical Site Defenses of Washington 1861-1865 Fort Cass During the Civil War, the Union built a series of forts to defend Washington, D.C. By 1865 there were 33 earthen fortifications in the Arlington Line. Fort Cass (1861) was part of this defensive strategy. Built on top of the rise east of this marker, this lunette fort was named for Colonel Thomas Cass, whose regiment constructed the fort. — Map (db m5141) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — 2 — Fort Corcoran |
| | Historical Site Defenses of Washington 1861-1865 Fort Corcoran During the Civil War, the Union built a series of forts to defend Washington, D.C. By 1865 there were 33 earthen fortifications in the Arlington Line. Fort Corcoran (1861) was part of this defensive strategy. Built east of this marker, this bastion fort guarded the approaches to the Aqueduct Bridge. It was named for Colonel Michael Corcoran, of the 69th New York State Militia. — Map (db m5106) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — 15 — Fort Craig |
| | Historical Site Defenses of Washington 1861-1865 Fort Craig Here stood Fort Craig, a lunette in the Arlington Line constructed in August 1861. It had a perimeter of 324 yards and emplacements for 11 guns. — Map (db m5150) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — 7 — Fort Ethan Allen |
| | Historical Site Defenses of Washington 1861-1865 Fort Ethan Allen This embankment was the south face of Fort Ethan Allen, a bastioned earthwork built in September 1861 to command all the approaches to Chain Bridge south of Pimmit Run. The fort had a perimeter of 736 yards with emplacements for 39 guns. The embankments which still remain were the south face less the west bastion; an interior bombproof shelter for protection against artillery fire from Hall’s Hill; The magazine and guard . . . — Map (db m2317) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — Fort Ethan Allen — Mr. Lincoln’s Forts — Defenses of Washington - 1861-1865 |
| | Fort Ethan Allen was constructed during the Civil War to provide one of the last lines of defense against possible Confederate attacks aimed at Washington. The fort commanded approaches to Chain Bridge (over the Potomac River) from the south of Pimmit Run. Built by troops from Vermont in September 1861, the fort was named in honor of Ethan Allen, Vermont’s famous Revolutionary War commander. Fort Ethan Allen was a large earthwork garrisoned by as many as 1,000 men. The fort’s perimeter was . . . — Map (db m2318) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — 3 — Fort Haggerty |
| | Historical Site Defenses of Washington 1861-1865 Fort Haggerty Here beside the Georgetown-Alexandria road stood Fort Haggerty, a small outwork of Fort Corcoran, constructed in May 1861. With a perimeter of 128 yards and emplacements for 4 guns, it was designed to bring under fire the slope south of Fort Corcoran, which could not be seen from there. — Map (db m5111) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — 19 — Fort Reynolds |
| | Historical Site Defenses of Washington 1861-1865 Fort Reynolds Here stood Fort Reynolds, a redoubt constructed in September, 1861, to command the approach to Alexandria by way of the valley of Four Mile Run. It had a perimeter of 360 yards and emplacements for 12 guns. — Map (db m5155) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — 5 — Fort Runyon |
| | Historical Site Defenses of Washington 1861-1865 Fort Runyon A half-mile to the southwest stood Fort Runyon, a large bastioned earthwork constructed in May 1861 to protect the Long Bridge over the Potomac. Its perimeter, 1484 yards, was about the same as that of the Pentagon. After the construction of the Arlington Line two miles to the west, Fort Runyon fell into disuse. Nearby Fort Jackson, at the Virginia end of the Long Bridge, was no more than a checkpoint to control traffic on the . . . — Map (db m5255) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — 6 — Fort Scott |
| | Historical Site Defenses of Washington 1861-1865 Fort Scott Here stood a detached lunette constructed in May, 1861, to guard the south flank of the defenses of Washington and named for General Winfield Scott, then General-in-Chief of the Army. It was subsequently relegated to an interior position by the construction of the defenses of Alexandria about 1¾ miles to the west. The Fort had a perimeter of 313 yards and emplacements for 8 guns. A remnant portion may be found immediately to the west. — Map (db m5257) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — 9 — Fort Strong |
| | Historical Site Defenses of Washington 1861-1865 Fort Strong Nearby to the north stood Fort Strong, a lunette marking the north end of the Arlington Line constructed in August 1861. It had a perimeter of 318 yards and emplacements for 15 guns. — Map (db m5112) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — 14 — Fort Tillinghast |
| | Historical Site Defenses of Washington 1861-1865 Fort Tillinghast Here stood Fort Tillinghast, a lunette in the Arlington Line constructed in August 1861. It had a perimeter of 298 yards and emplacements for 13 guns. A model of this fort, typical of all lunettes in the Arlington Line, can be seen at the Hume School museum of the Arlington Historical Society. — Map (db m5147) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — 12 — Fort Whipple |
| | Historical Site Defenses of Washington 1861-1865 Fort Whipple On the high ground to the northeast stood Fort Whipple, a bastioned earthwork built early in 1863 to support the Arlington Line built in 1861. It had a perimeter of 640 yards and emplacements for 47 guns. After the War, Fort Whipple was maintained as a permanent military post. In 1880, the name was changed to Fort Myer in honor of General Albert J. Myer, former post commander and first Chief Signal Officer of the United States Army. — Map (db m5140) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — 11 — Fort Woodbury |
| | Historical Site Defenses of Washington 1861-1865 Fort Woodbury During the Civil War, the Union built a series of forts to defend Washington, D.C. By 1865 there were 33 earthen fortifications in the Arlington Line. Fort Woodbury (1861) was part of this defensive strategy. Built east of this marker, this lunette fort was named for Major D.P. Woodbury, the engineer who designed and oversaw the building of the entire Arlington Line. — Map (db m5138) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — Freedman’s Village — A New Home for African Americans |
| | During the Civil War, many escaped and freed slaves traveled north seeking refuge in Union camps. Thousands crowded into the Federal City. The number of refugees quickly overwhelmed the area’s resources. Overcrowding and disease became prevalent. In response to the unhealthy, crowded conditions that developed in and around the District of Columbia, the federal government selected in May 1863 a site on Arlington Heights to build housing for the freed slaves. A planned community was envisioned . . . — Map (db m5293) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — Freedman's Village |
| | After the outbreak of the Civil War, escaped slaves sought refuge at Union Camps and thousands crowded into the Federal City. In response to the unhealthy conditions in Washington, the government selected a site on Arlington Heights in May, 1863, to provide freed slaves with housing and opportunities for work, training and education. Freedman’s Village, which was located in Arlington National Cemetery, was soon built and formally dedicated on December 4, 1863. There were over 50 two-story . . . — Map (db m6409) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — Minor's Hill |
| | To the northwest is Minor's Hill. So called for George Minor who lived on the far side at the time of the Revolution. It is the highest elevation in the county. In the fall of 1861, it was the site of a Confederate outpost. Afterwards there was a Federal signal station at the top of the hill. Here at the foot of the hill was a large cantonment housing the reserve force supporting the Federal outposts in Fairfax County. — Map (db m24992) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — Navy and Marine Memorial — Dedicated to Americans Lost at Sea |
| | In war and in peace, in commerce and in travel, in rescue and discovery, in fisheries and in research, this nation has forged a bond with and a dependence on the sea. This monument of waves and gulls memorializes our national life at sea. It is dedicated to the thousands of Americans who have perished in the sea and to those whose destiny still is linked with our naval and maritime services. The reliefs on the sides of the pedestal of the memorial illustrate, by direct or symbolic representation, all these activities. — Map (db m5108) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — Pentagon Memorial |
| | [Panel 1]:
We claim this ground in remembrance of the events of September 11, 2001.
To honor the 184 people whose lives were lost, their families, and all who sacrifice that we may live in freedom.
We will never forget.
[Panel 2]:
We will be forever grateful to the thousands of people from across the nation and around the world who contributed their time, resources and energy to create this Memorial.
The Pentagon Memorial Fund, Inc. Board of Directors: . . . — Map (db m13109) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — 31 — Prospect Hill |
| | The mansion which formerly stood here was built in 1841 by James Roach, a prosperous contractor who supplied most of the brick and stone used in the construction of the Aqueduct Bridge and Alexandria Canal (under construction 1833-1843) and the Alexandria, Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad (under construction 1853-1859). His property, which extended to Roach’s Run, was ruined and vandalized during the construction of Fort Runyon and Fort Albany in 1861. His mansion was demolished in 1965. — Map (db m8190) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — The Ages of Abingdon — Abingdon Plantation |
| | The land that Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport occupies today was once part of a plantation. This hill and the ruins on it are all that remain of the house that stood here for nearly 190 years.
Abington, as this tract of land on the Potomac River was called, witnessed sweeping historical changes. The land was owned for many years by the Alexander family, for whom Alexandria, Virginia was named. John Parke Custis, George Washington’s adopted stepson, moved his family to Abingdon in . . . — Map (db m8377) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — The Alexander Family — Abingdon Plantation |
| | Abingdon Plantation was originally part of a 6,000 acre tract if land granted to Robert Howson in 1669. As master of a sailing ship, he was given the land in exchange for transporting settlers to the colony of Virginia. Howson sold it to John Alexander for 6,000 pounds of tobacco.
John Alexander was a sea captain and surveyor who emigrated from Scotland to Virginia. After his death in 1677, Alexander’s land was divided between his sons.
By 1746, Gerard Alexander I, John Alexander’s . . . — Map (db m8378) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — 10 — The Arlington Line |
| | Historical Site Defenses of Washington 1861-1865 The Arlington Line Here the Arlington Line constructed in August, 1861, crossed the Georgetown-Falls Church road. 100 yards to the northwest stood Fort Morton, a lunette with a perimeter of 250 yards and emplacements for 17 guns; 200 yards to the southeast stood Fort Woodbury, a lunette with a perimeter of 275 yards and emplacements for 13 guns. — Map (db m5161) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — The Custis Family — Abingdon Plantation |
| | John Parke Custis was the adopted stepson of George Washington and had been raised at the nearby Washington estate of Mount Vernon. He and his wife, Eleanor Calvert, lived in New Kent County with their first two daughters. However, Custis wanted to live closer to his parents at Mount Vernon.
In 1778, Custis made a contract with the Alexanders to buy their land. George Washington warned him of the disagreeable terms of sale; however, he wanted so much to live near Mt. Vernon that he ignored . . . — Map (db m8380) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — The Hunter Family — Abingdon Plantation |
| | After the Stuarts moved from Abingdon in 1793, the Alexander family once again owned the plantation. Robert Alexander III’s son, Walter, leased Abingdon to several families over the years. In 1807, he advertised the Abingdon estate for sale, ending six generations of ownership by the Alexander family.
The Wise family leased the property from 1808 to 1835. It is reported that the family witnessed the burning of the Capital by British troops while living at Abingdon during the war of 1812. . . . — Map (db m8379) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — The Industrial Age — Abingdon Plantation |
| | During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the encroachment of industry transformed the landscape of Abingdon. Several brick companies purchased the land and began to manufacture brick on the site.
Various modes of transportation converged on Abingdon. In 1892, the Washington, Alexandria and Mount Vernon electric railway was built west of Abingdon and carried tourists to Mount Vernon. In 1924, the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad bought the Abingdon property to extend its rail . . . — Map (db m8385) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — The Mouth of Pimmit Run |
| | Thomas Lee patented land in this area in 1719. Here at the head of navigation of the Potomac River, he established an official tobacco inspection warehouse in 1742, the beginning of Arlington's first industrial complex. After 1794, Philip Richard Fendall and Lewis Hipkins, then owners of 200 acres in the Pimmit Run region built a grist mill, brewery, distillery, cooper and blacksmith shops, and other structures. After 1815, a cloth mill, woolen factory, and paper mill were established along the . . . — Map (db m3337) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — Transportation |
| | Near this point the Alexandria Canal crossed Four Mile Run, connecting Alexandria docks and railyards to Georgetown and western Maryland from 1843 to 1886. To the east were the turnpike and railroad. In 1896 the Washington, Alexandria and Mount Vernon Railway began to run electric trolleys beside the abandoned canal in this area, where it also built a car barn, repair shops and a power house. In 1906 the trolley line opened and operated Luna Park west of the tracks, providing a ballroom, . . . — Map (db m22469) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington — Walker Chapel |
| | Walker Chapel, a small frame country church of the Mount Olivet Circuit, was dedicated at this location on July 18, 1876. It was named in honor of the Walker family who donated the Walker Grave Yard as the site for the church. A new frame church was built nearby in 1903 although the original chapel structure continued in use as a Sunday school until its demolition in 1930. The present building dates from 1959. The earliest recorded burial in the adjacent cemetery was that of David Walker, who died in 1848. — Map (db m2316) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — "Lest We Forget - We Stand on Your Shoulders" |
| | Dedicated in memory of the United States Colored Troops, citizens, freed slaves, and contraband of Freedman's Village by the descendants and friends.
October 9, 1992. — Map (db m15009) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — "The Borinqueneers" — 65th Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army |
| | Dedicated to the men of the 65th Infantry Regiment, United States Army, for their valor and patriotism during the Korean War, 1950 - 1953.
[Official seals of the Department of the Army and the 65th Infantry Regiment are included on the marker.]
Dedicado a los soldados de El Regimiento 65 de Infantería, Ejército do los Estados Unidos, por su Valentía y Patriotismo durante la Guerra de Corea, 1950 - 1953. — Map (db m15472) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — 173d Airborne Brigade (Sep) — 1963 - 1971 |
| | In commemoration of all Sky Soldiers whose valor and sacrifice in defense of South Vietnam must never be forgotten. "All gave some - Some gave all" [Renderings of military insignia:] Combat Infantryman Badge - 173rd Airborne Bde. - Paratrooper Badge. The Australian Army - "Sky Soldier" - New Zealand [military]. — Map (db m24554) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion — "Triple Nickels" "Smoke Jumpers" — 1943 - 1947 |
| | In memory of America's first Black paratroopers, their successor units, and their supporters whose pioneering efforts and sacrifices have contributed to the development of the world's finest airborne forces.
"All the Way!" — Map (db m15643) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — 92d Infantry Division |
| | World War I
France 1918
Meuse-Argonne
*
World War II
Italy 1944-45
Rome-Arno
North Apennines
Po Valley
***
"I do not ask that Thou shall front the fray, and drive the warring foemen from thy sight;
I only ask o Lord, by night, by day, strength for the fight."
Paul Lawrence Dunbar — Map (db m11882) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — African American Veterans of the Korean War — 1950-1953 |
| | Dedicated to all African American Veterans of the Korean War, 1950-1953, for your valor, pride, patriotism and professionalism.
Your pioneering efforts and sacrifices have contributed immensely to the development of today's Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and Merchant Mariners: the World's Finest! — Map (db m11216) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor, Inc. |
| | This memorial honors the thousands of American prisoners of war who died on death marches, worked details or perished in transit to slave labor camps in Japan. — Map (db m22136) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — American Special Operations Forces |
| | In sacred memory of
American Special Operations Forces.
"Courage and Sacrifice."
[Five organizational emblems/insignia follow:]
United States Special Operations Command,
[U.S. Army Special Forces] Airborne,
Joint Special Operations Command,
United States Naval Special Warfare Command,
Air Force Special Operations Command,
"... I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us.' Then said I, 'Here am I. Send me.'
. . . — Map (db m12589) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — American Volunteer Group, China Air Task Force and the 14th Air Force |
| | This oak tree was planted as a memorial to those who served in the American Volunteer Group, the China Air Task Force and the 14th Air Force during World War II. Dedicated by the members of the Flying Tigers of the 14th Air Force Association 1945-1995 50th Anniversary of VJ Day. — Map (db m11694) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Amphibious Scouts and Raiders World War II — 1942-1945 — "We led the way!" |
| | [Rendering of organizational insignia.] In memory of our fallen comrades who sacrified their lives in the service of their country while serving in the United States Navy and Army Amphibious Scouts and Raiders during World War II. — Map (db m15183) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — An Attempt to Rescue American Hostages Held in Iran — 25 April 1980 |
| | In honor of members of the United States Armed Forces who died in an attempt to rescue American hostages held in Iran, 25 April 1980. U.S. Marine Corps:
John D. Harvey
Sgt., 30 May 1958
George N. Holmes, Jr.
Cpl., 20 July 1957
Dewey L. Johnson
SSgt., 26 May 1948
U.S. Air Force:
Richard L. Bakke Maj., 13 May 1946
Harold L. Lewis, Jr. Maj., 26 February 1945
Joel C. Mayo TSG., 26 October 1945
Lyn D. McIntosh Maj., 11 October 1946
Charles T. McMillan Capt., 4 . . . — Map (db m11105) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Arlington House, 1864 |
| | On May 24, 1861, Union troops crossed the Potomac River into Virgina and occupied the Arlington Estate. Officers lived in the house while hundreds of soldiers camped on the grounds. The Army crisscrossed the estate with roads and telegraph lines, and cut most of the 200 acres of virgin oak forest behind the house for fortifications and fire wood. This Civil War photograph was taken from approximately where you are standing. — Map (db m22157) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Army, Navy, and Air Force Nurses |
| | This monument was erected in 1938 and rededicated in 1971 to commemorate devoted service to country and humanity by Army, Navy, and Air Force Nurses. — Map (db m12350) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Battle of the Bulge Monument — Triumph of Courage — December 16, 1944 - January 25, 1945 |
| | To the World War II American soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Bulge, the greatest land battle in the history of the United States Army.
An emblem of the Association of
the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge is engraved on the monument. — Map (db m11211) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Berlin Airlift |
| | In memory of the United States military personnel who served on the Berlin Airlift, 26 June 1948 to 30 September 1949. [Insignia of:] Berlin Airlift Veterans Assoc. [Renderings of two U.S. transport aircraft:] Presented by the Berlin Airlift Veterans Association. Dedicated 29 September 1998. — Map (db m24603) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Buffalo Soldiers — Centennial Ceremony — July 1, 1898 - July 1, 1998 |
| | Dedicated to the Buffalo Soldiers, 9th and 10th Cavalry, and the 24th and 25th Infantry Regiments (Colored Troops) for valiant service in the Spanish-American War. They charged up San Juan Hill and El Caney, Cuba with Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders. — Map (db m11889) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Canadian Cross of Sacrifice — WW I / WW II / Korea |
| | [Panel 1]:
Erected by the Government of Canada in honour of the citizens of the United States who served in the Canadian Army and gave their lives in the Great War, 1914-1918.
[Panel 2]:
In honour of the citizens of the United States who served in the Canadian Armed Forces and gave their lives in the Second World War, 1939-1945.
[Panel 3]:
In honour of the citizens of the United States who served in the Canadian Armed Forces and gave their lives in the Korean Campaign, 1950-1953. — Map (db m11138) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Civil Air Patrol |
| | [Emblem for the United States Air Force Auxiliary - Civil Air Patrol]
Dedicated to the memory of Civil Air Patrol members who gave their lives in service to this nation that others might live. — Map (db m15368) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Civil War Unknowns Monument |
| | Beneath this stone repose the bones of two thousand, one hundred and eleven unknown soldiers gathered after the war from the fields of Bull Run and the route to the Rappahannock. Their remains could not be identified, but their names and deaths are recorded in the archives of their country. And its grateful citizens honor them as of their noble army of martyrs. May they rest in peace. September A.D. 1866. — Map (db m24595) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Confederate Memorial |
| | Panel 1: "Not for fame or reward, not for place or for rank; not lured by ambition or goaded by necessity; but in simple obedience to duty as they understood it; these men suffered all, sacrificed all, dared all, and died."
Panel 2: To our dead heroes, by the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Victrix causa diis placuit sed victa catoni.
Inscriptions around frieze and base:
1861-1865.
"They shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears . . . — Map (db m11807) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Exercise Tiger Memorial |
| | In honor of the men of the Army 1st Engineer Special Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, VII Corps Headquarters, and Navy 11th Amphibious Force Convoy T-4, who suffered and perished on April 28, 1944. While conducting “Exercise Tiger” at Slapton Sandss, Torcross, England, a fierce encounter with German torpedo boats took 539 American lives. Lessons learned that day enhanced readiness for the D-Day landings at Normandy, France. A grateful nation remembers their courage, sacrifices and contributions to the Allied cause in World War II. — Map (db m12096) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — General Philip Kearny Memorial |
| | [on base of statue by Edward Clark Potter, south face:]
KEARNY
[west face:]
New Jersey honors her most distinguished soldier. Erected 1914
[north face:] Major General Philip Kearny
Born June 1, 1814
[east face:] Gave his left arm at Churubusco, Mexico, August 18, 1847; and his life
at Chantilly, VA, September 1, 1862. — Map (db m22087) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Ignace Jan Paderewski |
| | The American Legion
In memory of
Ignace Jan Paderewski
artist, composer, musician, statesman, patriot, humanitarian and friend of American war veterans, who, from his death to the rebirth of freedom in his homeland, here rested in honor and in dignity. Now may his soul be eternally at peace and his memory entombed in the land of his fathers, a free Poland. — Map (db m11133) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Indian Warriors and Their Brothers — The Viet-Nam Era Veterans |
| | Dedicated to our Indian warriors and their brothers who have served us so well - the Viet-Nam era veterans. We are honored to remember you. — Map (db m15815) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Korean War Contemplative Bench |
| | “The beginning of the end of war lies in remembrance.”Herman Wouk
In sacred memory of those Americans who gave their lives during the Korean War, 1950 - 1953.
54,246 Died. 8,177 Missing in Action. 389 Unaccounted for P.O.W.
First International Tribute, July 27, 1987. — Map (db m18005) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Mast of the USS Maine |
| | The United States Battleship MAINE exploded and sank in Havana Harbor, Cuba on February 15, 1898. The rallying cry, "Remember the MAINE" swept the nation, inciting public opinion and precipitating the Spanish-American War. In March, 1915, 229 victims of the explosion were reinterred from Cuba and buried here in Section 24. The Secretary of the War by Act of Congress was authorized and directed to remove the mast of USS MAINE and place it upon a foundation at Arlington . . . — Map (db m10977) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Matthew Alexander Henson — Co-discoverer of the North Pole |
| | Obverse:
Reached the North Pole on April 6, 1909, with Robert E. Peary and four Polar Eskimos.
[Caption with image of group at Pole:] Ooqueah, Ootah, Henson, Egingwah, Seegloo.
Matthew Alexander Henson Re-interment Committee: Dr. S. Allen Counter, Chairman and Organizer; John H. Johnson, Honorary Chairman.
April 6, 1988.
Reverse:
Matthew Alexander Henson
Co-discoverer of the North Pole
August 8, 1866 - March 5, 1955
"The lure of . . . — Map (db m11773) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — McClellan Gate |
| | [East face, top of the arch:]
McCLELLAN
Here rest 15,585 of the 315,555 citizens who died in defense of our country from 1861 to 1865.
"On fame's eternal camping ground their silent tents are spread, And glory guards with solemn round, the bivouac of the dead."
[East face, middle south column:]
MEIGS
[West face, top of the arch:]
"Rest on embalmed and sainted dead,
dear as the blood ye gave, no impious footsteps here shall tread on the . . . — Map (db m24587) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Memorial to US Airmen killed in Denmark |
| | In World War II a total of 135 U.S. airmen were killed in action over Denmark where they were buried.
They defied danger to come to our assistance in our fight for freedom.
They will forever be remembered with Denmark's gratitude. — Map (db m11851) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Merrill's Marauders |
| | [Unit insignia]:
"Ranger - Merrill's Marauders"
In memory of the gallant men of the
5307th Composite Unit (Prov.)
Northern Burma Campaign, 1944
"Sua Sponte" — Map (db m15173) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Montford Point Marines — The First Black Marines — 1942 - 1949 |
| | "The footprints of the Montford Point Marines were left on the beaches of Roi-Namur, Saipan, Guam, Peleliu, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. The tides and winds have, long ago, washed them out into the seas of history; but, “The Chosen Few” in field shoes and canvas leggings, also left their marks in the firm concrete of Marine Corps history. And as new generations of Marines learn to march in those footprints, their cadence assumes the proud stride of the men of Montford Point."Gen. . . . — Map (db m11472) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Operation Restore Hope — Somalia, 1992-1995 |
| | In sacred memory of those who died in a distant land, rekindling the flame of hope for a suffering people. Dedicated by No Greater Love, October 3, 1994. — Map (db m12325) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Pan American Airways Flight 103 Memorial Cairn |
| | In remembrance of the two hundred and seventy people killed in the terrorist bombing of Pan American Airways Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland 21 December 1988.
Presented by the Lockerbie Air Disaster Trust to the United States of America.
[Base Marker]:
On 21 December 1988 a terrorist bomb destroyed Pan American Airlines Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing all on board and 11 on the ground. The 270 Scottish stones which compose this memorial cairn commemorate . . . — Map (db m10957) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Pierre Charles L'Enfant |
| | Revolutionary Soldier, 1775-1783
Pierre Charles L'Enfant
Engineer, Artist, Soldier
under the direction of George Washington, designed the plan for the Federal City
Major US Engineer Corps 1782
Charter member of the Society of the Cincinnati, designed its certificate and insignia.
Born in Paris, France, August 2, 1755
Died June 14, 1825, while residing at Chilham Castle Manor, Prince George's Co., Maryland and was interred there.
Re-interred at Arlington, April 28, 1909. . . . — Map (db m10949) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Robert Edwin Peary — Discoverer of the North Pole - April 6, 1909 — [and] his beloved wife, Josephine Diebitsch (1863-1955) |
| | Rear Admiral, USN; Civil Engineer, Explorer, Scientist
(1856-1920)
Invenium Viam Avt Facium
Erected by the National Geographic Society.
Dedicated April 6, 1922, by the President of the United States, the Chief Justice of the United States, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Navy, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, and the Board of Trustees of the National Geographic Society. — Map (db m14709) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Rough Riders — 1st U.S. Vol. Cavalry [18]98 — Las Guasimas, San Juan, Santiago |
| | In memory of the deceased members of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, Spanish American War. Inscriptions on west side and back of the monument: The names of 60 members of the regiment who lost their lives during the war. — Map (db m11666) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Sailors, Coast Guardsmen and Marines of African and Asian-Pacific Descent — Cooks, Stewards, and Messmen |
| | In memory of all U.S. Sailors, Coast Guardsmen and Marines of African and Asian-Pacific Descent who honorably served officers as cooks, stewards and messmen on U.S. Navy ships and bases and who valiantly manned battle stations during World War II and all other major conflicts.
The emblem of the Units K-West and B-East Mess Attendants Association, USN 1932-1974, is at the top of the marker. On either side of this emblem are the words,
We Served. We Fought. We Died. We Survived. — Map (db m26936) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Selina Gray |
| | Selina Gray, the daughter of Leonard and Sallie Norris, was a second generation Arlington slave. For a number of years, Selina was the personal maid of Mrs. Robert E. Lee. By 1861, Salina had become the head housekeeper at Arlington. When Mrs. Lee abandoned her home in mid-May 1861, she left the household keys, symbolizing authority, responsibility and her trust in Selina Gray. Locked away inside Arlington were many of the "Washington treasures." These pieces were cherished family heirlooms . . . — Map (db m10970) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Spanish American War Memorial |
| | To the soldiers and sailors of the United States who gave their lives for their country in the War of 1898-99 with Spain, this monument is dedicated with sorrow, gratitude and pride by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the name of all the women of the nation, 1902. — Map (db m11836) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Spanish-American War Nurses Memorial |
| | In memory of the women who gave their lives as Army nurses in 1898. — Map (db m11838) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Spirit of the Elbe |
| |
In recognition of the cooperation of American, Soviet, and Allied armed forces during World War II, this marker symbolizes the link up of Soviet and American elements at the Elbe River on 25 April 1945.
In tribute to the battle against tyranny.
[Russian Cyrillic translation]
Dedicated in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Link-up. — Map (db m22116) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Swiss Internees |
| | In memory of the gallant combat aircrewmen of the USAAF 8th, 9th, 12th, and 15th Air Forces who were left in Switzerland, 1943-1945 during WWII with "everlasting friends."
[Insignia of:] Swiss Internees Association, Inc. U.S.A. Camp Moloney Former Air Force 1943-1945 — Map (db m24558) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Task Force Smith |
| | Dedicated to the memory of the 375 infantrymen from the 1st Battalion 21st Infantry, the 134 artillerymen from the 52nd Field Artillery Battalion, and the 31 medical personnel from the medical company of the 21st Infantry Regiment who comprised Task Force Smith, the first United States Army contingent to engage North Korean invasion forces in combat in the vicinity of Osan, Korea, on July 5, 1950. The efforts and selfless sacrifices of these soldiers are an example for all future generations . . . — Map (db m15130) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — The Arlington Woodlands — Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial |
| | "Cherish these forest trees," Marquis de Lafayette, 1825. William Howard Russell, a famous 19th century English correspondent, once described the forest before you as "some of the finest woods I have seen in America." Two centuries earlier the area had been a vast wilderness where Doeg and Necostin Indians had hunted and made stone tools. Today this small woodland has been recognized by the Virginia Native Plant Society as one of the best examples of old growth terraced gravel forest . . . — Map (db m11750) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — The Embassy Bombings — Nairobi - Dar Es Salaam |
| | Dedicated to the memory of all those who lost their lives in the embassy bombings in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania - August 7, 1998. [Outline map of Kenya and Tanzania on continent of Africa.] — Map (db m15365) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — The Hiker — 1898 - 1902 |
| | Cuba, Philippine Islands, Porto-Rico [sic], USA
[Seal of the Spanish War Veterans,] — Map (db m17911) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — The Tuskegee Airmen of World War II — They Accepted the Challenge |
| | Two hundred strategic bomber escort missions over Europe with the 15th Air Force without the loss of a single bomber to enemy aircraft, 1944-45, a record unsurpassed.
Dedicated in their memory, 10 November 1995. — Map (db m13838) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — The Vietnamese Airborne Division and Their Advisors |
| | Dedicated to the memory of the paratroopers (Mu-Do) of the Vietnamese Airborne Division (Su-Doan Nhay Du) and their advisors (Co Van), the Red Hats and Red Markers of Advisory Team 162, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MAC-V) who fought for freedom and democracy in Vietnam 1960-1975 "Airborne All The Way" "Nhay Du Co Gang" [Renderings of U.S and Republic of Vietnam paratrooper and airborne insignia and of the paratroopers' red beret.] — Map (db m12047) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — They Served with Honor - The Persian Gulf — 1990-1991 |
| | To the Brave Hearts Who gave their lives, May we all know the peace For which they died. Dedicated by No Greater Love, February 28, 1992. — Map (db m12331) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — Third Infantry Division, U.S. Army — "Rock of the Marne" |
| | The 3d Division was organized at Camp Greene, North Carolina on 23 November 1917. All units of the division were in France by March 1918. The division entered combat in May. On July 15 it distinguished itself in defense of the Marne River at Chateau-Thierry, forty-five miles northeast of Paris. This action earned the division the proud motto, "Rock of the Marne."
The 3d Infantry Division fought with distinction in World War II, participating in four amphibious landings in North Africa, . . . — Map (db m11143) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — U.S. Coast Guard Memorial |
| | [Northwest face]:
[Coast Guard Emblem:]
Semper Paratus - 1790
United States Coast Guard
World War
[Northeast face]:
Officers and Men, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Tampa, sunk by enemy submarine in Bristol Channel, September 26, 1918, when all on board were lost: [List of 115 Names]
“Thy Way Is in the Sea”
[South face]:
Officers and Men, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Seneca, lost in bravely endeavoring as . . . — Map (db m15386) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — U.S. Secret Army in the Kingdom of Laos. — 1961-1973 |
| | Dedicated to the U.S. Secret Army in the Kingdom of Laos.
In memory of the Hmong and Lao combat veterans and their American advisors who served freedom's cause in Southeast Asia. Their patriotic valor and loyalty in the defense of liberty and democracy will never be forgotten.
[Inscription in Laotian characters]
Yov shua txog nej mus ib txhis — Map (db m11982) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — U.S. War Correspondent |
| | This tree grows in memory of journalists who died while covering wars or conflicts for the American people.
One who finds a truth lights a torch. In remembrance: — Map (db m11719) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — U.S.S. Houston and H.M.A.S. Perth |
| | In Memory of the Crews of U.S.S. Houston (CA-30) and H.M.A.S. Perth "Still Standing Watch in Sunda Strait." — Map (db m24644) |
| Virginia (Arlington County), Arlington National Cemetery — United States Space Shuttle Challenger — 28 January 1986 |
| | [Obverse]:
In grateful and loving tribute to the brave crew of the United States Space Shuttle Challenger.
28 January 1986
Francis R. (Dick) Scobee
Commander
Washington
May 19, 1939
Michael J. Smith
Pilot
North Carolina
April 30, 1945
Ronald E. McNair
Mission Specialist
South Carolina
October 21, 1950
Ellison S. Onizuka
Mission Specialist
Hawaii
June 24, 1946
S. Christa McAullife
Payload Specialist
New Hampshire
September . . . — Map (db m11147) |
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