When was the first soldier buried in Arlington?
The Arlington National Cemetery, located in Virginia, is one of the most iconic and revered military cemeteries in the United States. Established in 1864, it has been the final resting place for over 400,000 American heroes, including many notable military leaders, politicians, and celebrities. But have you ever wondered when the first soldier was buried in Arlington?
The Early Years
The answer lies in the early years of the American Civil War. In 1862, during the height of the war, the US government began to look for a new location to establish a military cemetery. The original site chosen was in Washington, D.C., but it was deemed unsuitable due to its proximity to the city and the risk of disease.
In May 1864, the War Department decided to establish a new cemetery on a 200-acre site in Virginia, which was then owned by the Robert E. Lee family. The property was located just outside of Washington, D.C., and was previously known as the Custis-Lee Estate.
The First Burial
The first soldier to be buried in Arlington was William Henry Christman, a 20-year-old private from Pennsylvania who died on May 13, 1864, from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Christman was a member of the 67th Pennsylvania Infantry and was being treated for mental health issues at the time of his death.
Christman’s burial was a simple affair, with a small group of soldiers from his unit attending the ceremony. His grave was marked with a wooden headboard, which was later replaced with a marble headstone in 1867.
Other Early Burials
In the months that followed, more soldiers began to arrive at Arlington, many of whom had fallen in battle or died from disease. Some of the earliest burials include:
• Private John Cook, a 22-year-old from Ohio who died on May 24, 1864, from wounds received at the Battle of Chancellorsville.
• Private Robert W. Scott, a 20-year-old from Virginia who died on June 6, 1864, from wounds received at the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse.
• Private James F. McIntosh, a 19-year-old from New York who died on June 12, 1864, from wounds received at the Battle of Cold Harbor.
Arlington’s Early Years
During the late 1860s and early 1870s, Arlington Cemetery underwent significant changes. The cemetery was officially named Arlington National Cemetery in 1867, and the War Department began to establish more formal burial procedures.
In 1871, the cemetery was expanded to 612 acres, and a new entrance was built on the south side of the property. The cemetery’s iconic Memorial Amphitheater, designed by architect Rudolph Schwarz, was completed in 1920.
Today
Today, Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most respected and visited military cemeteries in the world. The cemetery is the final resting place for:
• Over 400,000 American heroes, including 24 Medal of Honor recipients, 12 astronauts, and 5 Supreme Court justices.
• More than 25,000 unknown soldiers, whose remains were recovered from battlefields and cemeteries around the world.
• Many notable military leaders, including Generals George C. Marshall and Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Conclusion
The first soldier buried in Arlington was William Henry Christman, a young private from Pennsylvania who died in May 1864. His burial marked the beginning of a long tradition of honoring America’s fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery. Today, the cemetery remains a symbol of American patriotism and a reminder of the sacrifices made by our nation’s military personnel.
Timeline of Early Burials in Arlington
Date | Soldier’s Name | Age | Unit | Cause of Death |
---|---|---|---|---|
May 13, 1864 | William H. Christman | 20 | 67th Pennsylvania Infantry | Self-inflicted gunshot wound |
May 24, 1864 | Private John Cook | 22 | 15th New Jersey Infantry | Wounds received at Chancellorsville |
June 6, 1864 | Private Robert W. Scott | 20 | 12th Virginia Infantry | Wounds received at Spotsylvania Courthouse |
June 12, 1864 | Private James F. McIntosh | 19 | 146th New York Infantry | Wounds received at Cold Harbor |
Arlington National Cemetery Facts
- Established in 1864
- Covers 624 acres
- Over 400,000 graves and memorials
- Home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- More than 25,000 unknown soldiers buried
- 24 Medal of Honor recipients buried
- 12 astronauts buried
- 5 Supreme Court justices buried