Columbia Island in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

A Symbol of Reconciliation

George Washington Memorial Parkway

— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —

A Symbol of Reconciliation Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 4, 2019

1. A Symbol of Reconciliation Marker

Inscription. On one side of Arlington Memorial Bridge stands the columned portico of Arlington House, the pre-Civil war home of Robert E. Lee. In that home, Lee made his decision to resign the US Army commission. He became the commanding general of Confederate forces and nearly succeeded in permanently breaking the American Union.

On the other side is the Lincoln Memorial, built to honor the sixteenth President of the United States who led the American public through four years of war and ultimately preserved the Union. Despite the anger and bitterness of many Americans, North and South rejoined and the re-United States would go on to become a world power.

This bridge was built to serve as a symbol of national reconciliation that occurred after the bloodshed and tragedy of civil war. Today, it is a national memorial to valor and sacrifice, connecting the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall with the Robert E. Lee Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.

Erected 2019 by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.

Location. 38° 53.112′ N, 77° 3.706′ W. Marker is in Southwest

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Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is on Columbia Island. Marker is on Memorial Avenue just west of Memorial Circle, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Washington DC 20418, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Symbol of Union (here, next to this marker in Virginia); Avenue of Heroes (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line in Virginia); Bridge to Peace (about 600 feet away in Virginia); a different marker also named Bridge to Peace (about 600 feet away in Virginia); The Hiker (about 700 feet away in Virginia); Seabees ~ Can Do (approx. 0.2 miles away in Virginia); 4th Infantry (Ivy) Division (approx. 0.2 miles away in Virginia); An Engineering Marvel (approx. 0.2 miles away).

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 4, 2019

2. A Symbol of Reconciliation Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 264 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 4, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.