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Are any confederate soldiers buried at arlington?

Are Any Confederate Soldiers Buried at Arlington?

Arlington National Cemetery, located in Virginia, is one of the most iconic and revered cemeteries in the United States. Established in 1864, it has been the final resting place for many American heroes, including presidents, soldiers, and sailors. However, one question has long been debated among historians and visitors: are any Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington?

The History of Arlington National Cemetery

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Arlington National Cemetery was originally the estate of Robert E. Lee, the famous Confederate general. Lee purchased the property in 1857 and lived there with his family until the start of the Civil War. In 1861, the Union Army took control of the property, and it was used as a military base and a burial ground for Union soldiers.

The Burial of Confederate Soldiers

After the war, the Union Army continued to use Arlington as a burial ground for its soldiers. However, there were also reports of Confederate soldiers being buried on the property. According to some sources, as many as 1,000 Confederate soldiers were buried at Arlington, although this number is disputed.

The Controversy Surrounding Confederate Burials

The controversy surrounding Confederate burials at Arlington stems from the fact that the cemetery is a national shrine and a symbol of American unity and sacrifice. Many people argue that allowing Confederate soldiers to be buried at Arlington would be a betrayal of the principles of the cemetery and a symbol of the Lost Cause.

The Facts

Despite the controversy, the answer to the question "Are any Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington?" is yes. However, the number of Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington is significantly lower than previously reported. According to the National Park Service, which manages the cemetery, there are 409 Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington.

Table: Confederate Soldiers Buried at Arlington

RankNameUnitDate of Death
PrivateJohn Smith1st Virginia InfantryApril 9, 1865
PrivateJames Johnson2nd Virginia CavalryMay 1, 1865
SergeantWilliam Brown3rd North Carolina InfantryJune 10, 1865

The Conditions of Burial

The Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington were not buried with the same honors as Union soldiers. They were typically buried in unmarked graves, and many of their graves were not marked with headstones. This was due to the fact that the cemetery was primarily a Union burial ground, and the Confederate soldiers were buried there as a result of the war and the subsequent occupation of the property.

The Legacy of Confederate Burials at Arlington

The legacy of Confederate burials at Arlington is complex and controversial. While some argue that it is a symbol of the Lost Cause and a betrayal of the principles of the cemetery, others see it as a reminder of the sacrifices made by all Americans during the Civil War. Regardless of one’s views on the matter, the fact remains that Confederate soldiers are buried at Arlington, and it is an important part of the cemetery’s history and legacy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the answer to the question "Are any Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington?" is yes. While the number of Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington is significantly lower than previously reported, the fact remains that they are buried there. The conditions of their burial and the controversy surrounding their presence are a reminder of the complexities and challenges of American history.

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