Arlington House as it appeared in the 1850s Arlington Arlington National Cemetery - Robert E. Lee left his home at Arlington and his long career in the Federal army to take command of Virginia forces in April 1861. Union soldiers occupied his estate a month later. In 1864, burials of Union soldiers began on the grounds and by the end of the war 16,000 graves scarred the lawn and gardens. Today, Arlington National Cemetery is studded with famous memorials including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the graves of Robert and John Kennedy. A small section is devoted to the remains of Confederate soldiers.
Admission is free, but an hourly parking fee is charged.
Arlington National Cemetery - Refugee slaves made their way to the Washington area after the outbreak of the war. The government selected this site to house and educate them. Graves of the Freedman's Village residents are located in Section 27. Nice county park. Call for programs.