Located in Arlington Country, Virginia, Arlington National Cemetery is a large cemetery reserved for American soldiers who died in war as well as military veterans. It’s owned and managed by the U.S. Department of the Army, which is responsible for maintaining the grounds. Even if you’ve seen or heard of Arlington National Cemetery, though, there are probably some things you don’t know about it. Below are six facts about Arlington National Cemetery.
#1) It’s 624 Acres Big
While it’s not the largest cemetery in the United States, Arlington National Cemetery spans approximately 624 acres. It’s a massive, beautiful cemetery that’s become an important part of our country’s history.
#2) Nearly a Half-Million Graves
There are approximately 400,000 graves at Arlington National Cemetery. Of the nearly half-million graves, there are about 5,000 unknown soldiers. With that said, the number of graves at Arlington National Cemetery continues to increase. On average, there are about 25 new burials at the iconic cemetery each day. Over the course of a year, that translates into over 9,000 new graves.
#3) 3 Million Tourists
Arlington National Cemetery attracts an estimated 3 million tourists each year. Many Americans visit Arlington National Cemetery to pay their respects to the countless men and women who gave their lives fighting for our nation. If you’re interested in taking a tour, check out the official Arlington National Cemetery website here.
#4) 8,500 Trees
If you’ve ever seen photos or videos of Arlington National Cemetery, you may recall its lush-green landscape. Arlington National Cemetery contains over 8,500 trees. According to various reports, there are about 300 different species of trees, some of which are native whereas others are exotic. You’ll find everything from oaks and maples to dogwoods and elms at Arlington National Cemetery.
#5) Each Grave Is Documented
Even with its nearly-million graves, each grave at Arlington National Cemetery is documented. The U.S. Department of the Army is responsible for documenting, as well as photographing, each grave at Arlington National Cemetery. These records are available for anyone to access, providing insight into who, exactly, is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
#6) Abraham Lincoln’s Son Is Buried at Arlington
Arlington National Cemetery is the resting place for Abraham Lincoln’s son, Robert Todd. He died on July 26, 1926 at the age of 82. He was later buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Other famous people buried at Arlington National Cemetery include Robert F. Kennedy, John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
