Are Confederate Soldiers Buried at Arlington?
Arlington National Cemetery, located in Arlington County, Virginia, is a military cemetery that honors the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. With over 400,000 graves, Arlington is one of the largest and most iconic national cemeteries in the United States. However, amidst the sea of American graves, a question often arises: are Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington?
Historical Context
Arlington National Cemetery was originally established as Arlington National Cemetery in 1864 during the Civil War, as a temporary burial ground for Union soldiers killed during the war. After the war, the cemetery remained as a memorial to the Union dead. However, during the Reconstruction Era, tensions ran high between the North and South, and the debate over the status of the Confederate States of America’s soldiers’ graves was a contentious issue.
Direct Answer: Are Confederate Soldiers Buried at Arlington?
No, Confederate soldiers are not buried at Arlington National Cemetery. In fact, the cemetery has a specific policy of only interring Union and Native American soldiers. According to the cemetery’s rules, "only the remains of honorably discharged United States military personnel and other eligible individuals, as authorized by law, may be buried at Arlington National Cemetery."
Confederate Graves and Memorials
While Confederate soldiers are not buried at Arlington National Cemetery, there are some exceptions and commemorations related to the Civil War and Confederate soldiers:
• Hallowed Grounds: There are 415 graves of Confederate soldiers at Hallowed Grounds, a portion of the cemetery designated as a special area for Civil War reenactors to honor their ancestors. However, these graves are not officially recognized by the National Park Service or the U.S. Department of the Army.
• United Daughters of the Confederacy: The United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) organization has placed monuments and memorials within Arlington National Cemetery to honor Confederate soldiers and their families. These monuments are located in designated areas, including the Arlington Confederate Monument and the General R.E. Lee Monument.
• The Lee Family Cemetery: Arlington National Cemetery is also the final resting place of several members of the Lee family, including General Robert E. Lee’s son, General George Washington Custis Lee, who is buried at the Lee Family Cemetery. However, these graves are not specifically Confederate soldiers.
Key Statistics
Here are some key statistics that highlight the cemetery’s commitment to honoring Union soldiers and its policies regarding Confederate graves:
| Statistic | Description |
|---|---|
| 270,000+ | Number of Union soldiers buried at Arlington National Cemetery |
| 415 | Number of Confederate soldiers honored at Hallowed Grounds |
| 30 | Number of monuments and memorials dedicated to Confederate soldiers and families |
| 0 | Number of Confederate soldiers officially buried at Arlington National Cemetery |
Conclusion
Arlington National Cemetery is a revered and historic site that honors the men and women who have served and sacrificed in the United States Armed Forces. While Confederate soldiers are not buried at Arlington, the cemetery does acknowledge and honor their sacrifices through memorials and commemorations. This article provides a comprehensive answer to the question of whether Confederate soldiers are buried at Arlington, and sheds light on the cemetery’s policies and practices regarding the Confederate States of America.
