Are there confederate soldiers buried at arlington?

Are There Confederate Soldiers Buried at Arlington?

A Brief History of Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery, located in Arlington, Virginia, is one of the most revered and historic military cemeteries in the United States. Established in 1864 during the Civil War, the cemetery was originally the estate of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, who was forced to surrender his home to the Union Army after his wife, Mary Custis Lee, refused to abandon their property. Today, the cemetery is the final resting place for over 400,000 service members, veterans, and their families, including those who served in every American war.

The Initial Debate

When the cemetery was first established, there was a heated debate among the cemetery’s administrators about whether to allow Confederate soldiers to be buried alongside Union soldiers. The debate was sparked by the fact that many Confederate soldiers had been imprisoned and died at Fort McHenry, which is located adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery. Some argued that it was unfair to exclude Confederate soldiers from being buried at the cemetery, while others believed that it would be a betrayal of the principles of the Union.

The Decision

In the end, the decision was made to allow Confederate soldiers to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, but with certain conditions. In 1867, the cemetery’s superintendent, General Montgomery Meigs, wrote to the Secretary of War, stating that "all persons who have died in the service of the United States, whether in the late Rebellion or in any other war, shall be entitled to a burial in the Arlington Cemetery." This decision paved the way for Confederate soldiers to be buried at the cemetery, but only if they had served honorably and had been captured and imprisoned by the Union Army.

The Numbers

According to the Arlington National Cemetery’s official records, there are approximately 265 Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington National Cemetery. This number includes both officers and enlisted men, and covers a range of units and regiments, including the 1st Louisiana Infantry, the 5th Texas Infantry, and the 13th Mississippi Infantry.

The Notable Burials

While the majority of Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington National Cemetery are unknown or unidentified, there are a few notable burials that are worth mentioning. One of the most famous is Captain James W. Thomson, who was a Confederate officer and prisoner of war at Fort McHenry. Thomson was captured in 1863 and died at the fort in 1864, and is buried in Section 13 of the cemetery.

Another notable burial is Private James E. Johnson, who was a member of the 12th Virginia Infantry and was captured at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. Johnson died at Fort McHenry in 1864 and is buried in Section 14 of the cemetery.

The Debate Continues

Despite the fact that Confederate soldiers have been buried at Arlington National Cemetery for over 150 years, the debate about their presence at the cemetery continues to this day. Some argue that the cemetery is a symbol of the Union and that the presence of Confederate soldiers is a reminder of the Civil War and its ongoing legacy. Others argue that the cemetery should be a place of honor and respect for all American service members, regardless of their allegiance during the Civil War.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there is a long-standing debate about the presence of Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery, the facts are clear: 265 Confederate soldiers are buried at the cemetery, alongside over 400,000 other service members and veterans. Whether one agrees or disagrees with the decision to allow Confederate soldiers to be buried at the cemetery, it is clear that Arlington National Cemetery is a symbol of the sacrifices made by American service members, and a testament to the enduring legacy of the Civil War.

Table: Confederate Soldiers Buried at Arlington National Cemetery

Sources:

• Arlington National Cemetery. (n.d.). Confederate Soldiers. Retrieved from https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/Confederate-Soldiers
• National Park Service. (n.d.). Arlington National Cemetery. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/arla/index.htm
• Wikipedia. (n.d.). Arlington National Cemetery. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arlington_National_Cemetery