Arlington, Virginia, USA
1864 - June 15 – Arlington National Cemetery is established in the United States

when 200 acres (0.81 km2) of the grounds of Robert E. Lee's home Arlington House are officially set aside as a military cemetery by U.S. Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton.


On June 15, 1864, Arlington National Cemetery was established in the United States. This significant event took place during the American Civil War, a conflict that deeply divided the nation. Arlington National Cemetery was created on the grounds of Arlington House, which had been the home of Robert E. Lee, a prominent military officer who had resigned from the United States Army to serve as a general for the Confederate States of America.

The establishment of Arlington National Cemetery was a poignant and symbolic act. By setting aside 200 acres of Arlington House's grounds as a military cemetery, U.S. Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton sought to honor the soldiers who had died in service to their country, regardless of which side they had fought on during the Civil War. The cemetery would become a place of remembrance and reflection, serving as the final resting place for thousands of military personnel, including veterans, casualties of war, and notable figures in American history.

June 15, 1864

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