Background of Arlington’s History
Arlington, Virginia is a county located across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. It was originally part of the land granted to Robert E. Lee’s ancestors in colonial times. Lee himself lived on the property before the start of the Civil War, and it was from there that he resigned his commission in the U.S. Army to join the Confederacy.
During the Civil War, the Union Army occupied the property, and it was eventually confiscated by the federal government as part of the war effort. After the war, the land was used for a variety of purposes, including a freedman’s village and a military installation.
Establishment of District of Columbia
In 1790, the United States Congress passed the Residence Act, which established a new federal city on the banks of the Potomac River. The new city was to be called Washington, D.C., and it would serve as the nation’s capital. The land for the new city was donated by the states of Maryland and Virginia.
The new federal city was established to provide a neutral location for the nation’s capital, outside of the influence of any one state. At the time, the area that is now Arlington was part of Virginia, and it was not included in the new city’s boundaries.
Arlington Becomes Part of DC
In 1847, the federal government purchased the land that is now Arlington National Cemetery with the intention of using it as a military cemetery. Over time, more land was added to the cemetery, and it became one of the most famous and revered burial sites in the country.
In 1870, Congress passed a law that retroactively made Arlington part of the District of Columbia. This move was made in order to facilitate the creation of a new bridge across the Potomac River in that area. For the next several decades, Arlington remained part of the District of Columbia, despite its status as a separate county in Virginia.
Development of Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery was officially established in 1864, during the Civil War. The land had previously been owned by Confederate General Robert E. Lee, but it was seized by the federal government after Lee chose to fight for the South.
The first burials at Arlington National Cemetery were Union soldiers who had died in nearby battles. Over time, the cemetery grew to include graves of soldiers from all of America’s wars, as well as a number of notable individuals, such as President John F. Kennedy and his family.
Legal Dispute over Ownership
In the early 20th century, the descendants of the Lee family filed a lawsuit claiming that the federal government had illegally seized their property during the Civil War. The case made its way to the Supreme Court, which ruled that the government had indeed acted illegally in seizing the land.
However, the court also ruled that the government’s use of the land as a cemetery had effectively nullified the Lee family’s claim to it. The land remained in federal hands, but the ruling sparked a renewed interest in the ownership of the property.
Supreme Court Ruling on the Case
In 1925, the Supreme Court ruled on the case of United States v. Lee, which dealt with the question of whether the federal government had illegally seized the property that would become Arlington National Cemetery. The court ruled that the government had indeed acted illegally, but that its use of the property as a cemetery had effectively nullified the Lee family’s claim to it.
The ruling was significant for a number of reasons. It established that the government could not simply seize private property without due process, even in times of war. It also confirmed the status of Arlington National Cemetery as a national treasure, and helped to cement its place in American history.
Congressional Action to Return Arlington
In 1949, Congress passed a resolution asking the federal government to return Arlington to Virginia. The move was seen as a way to rectify the government’s illegal seizure of the property in the Civil War, and to acknowledge Virginia’s historical ties to the land.
The resolution was not binding, but it put pressure on the federal government to act. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill that officially returned the property to Virginia, while retaining federal control over the cemetery itself.
Virginia’s Acceptance of the Return
Virginia accepted the return of Arlington in 1955, and the transfer of ownership was completed in 1959. The move was seen as a way to acknowledge Virginia’s historical ties to the land, and to allow the state to exercise greater control over its own affairs.
Despite the transfer of ownership, the federal government retained control over the cemetery. The move was seen as a way to ensure that the site would continue to be used as a national cemetery, rather than being subject to local interests or development.
Transfer of Arlington to Virginia
The transfer of ownership of Arlington from the federal government to the state of Virginia was completed in 1959. The move was seen as a way to acknowledge Virginia’s historical ties to the land, and to allow the state to exercise greater control over its own affairs.
Despite the transfer of ownership, the federal government retained control over the cemetery. The move was seen as a way to ensure that the site would continue to be used as a national cemetery, rather than being subject to local interests or development.
End of Federal Control of Arlington
Although the federal government retained control over the cemetery at Arlington, the transfer of ownership to Virginia marked the end of federal control over the rest of the property. The move was seen as a way to acknowledge Virginia’s historical ties to the land, and to allow the state to exercise greater control over its own affairs.
Over time, the state of Virginia has used the land for a variety of purposes, including a state park and a number of government buildings. The cemetery itself remains under federal control, and is protected as a national treasure.
Current Status and Use of Arlington
Today, Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most famous and revered burial sites in the country. It is the final resting place of soldiers from all of America’s wars, as well as a number of notable individuals, such as President John F. Kennedy and his family.
The cemetery is maintained by the federal government, and is open to the public for visitation and tours. It is also the site of a number of military ceremonies and events, including the annual Memorial Day ceremony.
Legacy of Arlington’s History
The history of Arlington is a testament to the sacrifices made by America’s soldiers, as well as the ongoing struggle to balance federal and state interests. The transfer of ownership from the federal government to the state of Virginia marked a significant moment in that struggle, and helped to cement the site’s place as a national treasure.
Today, Arlington National Cemetery remains an important symbol of America’s commitment to democracy and freedom. It is a place where the sacrifices of our soldiers are honored and celebrated, and where visitors can reflect on the meaning of service and sacrifice in a democratic society.
