Event

Arlington National Cemetery Tour: Honoring Our First Military Burials

The Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) History Office will host two section walk tours in honor of the 160th anniversary of the first military burial at the cemetery on May 13, 2024.

These section walks will take place in Section 27, where, on May 13, 1864, Pvt. William Christman became the first military burial on the Arlington property.

The section walks are free and open to the public. They will be held at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will last approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

Those interested in attending should meet at the Ord and Weitzel Gate, located near Section 27. Just across from this gate there is a public pedestrian entrance to ANC on Marshall Drive, across from the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. Visitors can enter through this gate or use the cemetery’s main entrance at the Welcome Center and then walk to Ord and Weitzel Gate.

These section walks will be held rain or shine—please dress appropriately for weather conditions. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to walk on both sidewalks and uneven grassy terrain. Be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated!