Why are Confederate Soldiers Buried in a Circle at Arlington?
Arlington National Cemetery, located in Virginia, is a hallowed ground that serves as the final resting place for many American heroes, including those who fought in the Civil War. Among the over 400,000 graves at Arlington, there is a unique section that stands out – the Confederate Circle. This section is dedicated to the burial of Confederate soldiers, and its design is unlike any other at the cemetery. In this article, we will explore the history behind the Confederate Circle and why Confederate soldiers are buried in a circle at Arlington.
A Brief History of the Confederate Circle
The Confederate Circle was established in 1867, just two years after the end of the Civil War. At the time, the cemetery was still known as the Soldiers’ Home Cemetery, and it was primarily used to bury Union soldiers who had died during the war. However, as the years passed, it became clear that there were many Confederate soldiers who had also died during the war and needed a final resting place.
In 1867, the cemetery’s superintendent, Colonel Montgomery C. Meigs, decided to set aside a section of the cemetery for the burial of Confederate soldiers. Meigs, who was a strong Unionist, was opposed to the idea of burying Confederate soldiers alongside Union soldiers. However, he believed that it was important to provide a dignified burial for all soldiers, regardless of their allegiance.
Why are Confederate Soldiers Buried in a Circle?
So, why are Confederate soldiers buried in a circle at Arlington? The answer lies in the history of the cemetery and the attitudes of the time. When the Confederate Circle was established, it was a deliberate decision to set the Confederate soldiers apart from the Union soldiers. The circle design was chosen to symbolize the unity and solidarity of the Confederate soldiers, despite their defeat in the war.
The Circle Design
The Confederate Circle is a circular plot of land that is surrounded by a low stone wall. The circle is divided into four sections, each with its own entrance. The sections are arranged in a deliberate pattern, with the center of the circle representing the heart of the Confederacy. The design of the circle is meant to evoke a sense of unity and solidarity among the Confederate soldiers, and it serves as a reminder of their bravery and sacrifice.
Burial Practices
The burial practices at the Confederate Circle are also unique. Confederate soldiers are buried in single graves, with the headstones facing east. This is in contrast to the Union soldiers, who are buried in rows and their headstones face west. The single graves and east-facing headstones were a deliberate choice, meant to reflect the values and traditions of the Confederacy.
Notable Confedrate Burials
The Confederate Circle is the final resting place for many notable Confederate soldiers and leaders. Some of the most notable burials include:
- General Stonewall Jackson: One of the most famous Confederate generals, Jackson was killed in action during the Battle of Chancellorsville.
- General J.E.B. Stuart: A cavalry commander and one of Robert E. Lee’s most trusted generals, Stuart was killed in action during the Battle of Yellow Tavern.
- General P.G.T. Beauregard: A prominent Confederate general and engineer, Beauregard was the commander of the Confederate forces at Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began.
Controversy and Legacy
The Confederate Circle has been the subject of controversy over the years. Some have argued that the cemetery is a symbol of the Confederacy’s defeat and a reminder of the painful history of slavery and racism. Others have argued that the cemetery is a sacred place that honors the bravery and sacrifice of all soldiers, regardless of their allegiance.
Despite the controversy, the Confederate Circle remains an important part of American history and a symbol of the country’s complex and often painful past. The cemetery serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers on both sides of the Civil War, and it provides a sense of closure and finality for those who have lost loved ones.
Conclusion
The Confederate Circle at Arlington National Cemetery is a unique and important part of American history. The circle design and burial practices were deliberate choices meant to symbolize the unity and solidarity of the Confederate soldiers. While the cemetery has been the subject of controversy over the years, it remains an important reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers on both sides of the Civil War.
