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Arlington National Cemetery

Carved from the estate of Robert E. Lee after the outbreak of the Civil War, Arlington National Cemetery has served as the nation’s most honored military burial ground since 1864. These posts trace its history, monuments, and notable graves.

140 Years of Fighting Over Memorial Bridge

May 18, 2026May 3, 2026 by ghostsofdc
1887 rendering of the Grant Memorial Bridge showing the full profile and elevation of the proposed medieval-style bridge across the Potomac

In 1931, gold-topped columns were killed for being too tall for airplanes. Now a 250-foot arch is proposed at the same spot. The full history since 1886.

Categories Lost History Tags 1880s, 1920s, 1930s, Arlington National Cemetery, Bridges, Ulysses S. Grant

The Wright Brothers at Fort Myer: The 1908 Selfridge Crash and Orville’s 1909 Return

June 1, 2026December 29, 2017 by ghostsofdc
Wright Brothers plane over Ft. Myer in Arlington - 1909

On September 17, 1908, the Wright Flyer crashed at Fort Myer and killed Lt. Thomas Selfridge in the first fatality of powered aviation. Ten months later, Orville Wright returned and won the U.S. Army its first airplane.

Categories Historical Events, Notable People & Places Tags 1900s, Arlington, Arlington National Cemetery, Aviation, Fort Myer 1 Comment

Construction of JFK’s Eternal Flame Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery in 1965

November 9, 2022June 8, 2015 by ghostsofdc
The John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame memorial under construction in Arlington Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia

A 1965 photograph of the JFK gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery during construction of the Eternal Flame memorial, before it was completed.

Categories Notable People & Places Tags 1960s, Arlington National Cemetery, John F Kennedy 4 Comments

A Photo Shared by GoDC Reader Carol and a Former Tomb Guard’s Perspective

December 7, 2021February 10, 2014 by ghostsofdc

Carol shared a cool photo with us, and we’re hoping to get some insight from a former Tomb Guard. GoDCer Ben, can you add your comments below? See the photo and find out more here!

Categories A Personal Story Tags 1990s, Arlington National Cemetery 2 Comments

Colorized Photo of the Unknown Soldier Being Taken to Arlington National Cemetery

April 28, 2026June 24, 2013 by ghostsofdc
The Unknown Soldier being taken to Arlington National Cemetery

An incredible colorized photo of the Unknown Soldier being taken to Arlington National Cemetery. See the colorized version and learn more about the Unknown Soldier’s journey with this blog post.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1920s, Arlington National Cemetery, Military

The Historical Significance of the Photograph of Arlington National Cemetery, 1922

May 29, 2013 by ghostsofdc
"Arlington National Cemetery, 1922." With the USS Maine Memorial rising at left. Harris & Ewing Collection glass negative.

This powerful photo of Arlington National Cemetery in 1922 speaks for itself. With the USS Maine Memorial rising at left, it holds significant historical value. Discover the story behind this photo!

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1920s, Arlington National Cemetery 1 Comment

Honoring the Unknown Loyal Dead: Frederick Douglass at Arlington National Cemetery, May 30, 1871

October 27, 2021June 22, 2012 by ghostsofdc
burial at Arlington National Cemetery

Honor the fallen soldiers of the Civil War with Frederick Douglass’ speech, “The Unknown Loyal Dead.” Hear his words and read more about his visit to Arlington National Cemetery on May 30, 1871.

Categories Guest Posts, Notable People & Places Tags 1870s, Arlington National Cemetery, Frederick Douglass

The 1939 Tribute to Abner Doubleday at Arlington National Cemetery

May 6, 2026May 10, 2012 by ghostsofdc
Tribute to Abner Doubleday at Arlington Cemetery. Left to right: Clark Griffith, President of the Washington Club, Joe McCarthy, Manager of the N.Y. Yankees and Manager Bucky Harris, Manager of the Washington Senators - April 17th, 1939 (Library of Congress)

Learn about the 1939 baseball season tribute to Abner Doubleday at Arlington National Cemetery with Clark Griffith, Joe McCarthy, and Bucky Harris. Read about the disputed role of Abner Doubleday in the birth of baseball and the ceremony at his grave.

Categories Featured, Notable People & Places Tags 1930s, Arlington National Cemetery, Baseball, Washington Nationals, Washington Senators

Unnamed Sailor and Girlfriend Visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 1943

May 6, 2026April 18, 2012 by ghostsofdc
Sailor of woman at the Tomb of the Unknown Solder in 1943 (Library of Congress)

An amazing old color photo taken in May 1943 by John Collier shows an unnamed sailor and his girlfriend visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. See the powerful photos and learn what happened to them during and after the war.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1940s, Arlington National Cemetery, Military, World War II 5 Comments
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