Arlington National Cemetery established around General Lee’s former mansion 150 years ago today (June 15 1864)

1860s, American Civil War


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(Wednesday, June 15, 1864; during the American Civil War) — Arlington National Cemetery was established today when 200 acres around Arlington Mansion (formerly owned by Confederate General Robert E. Lee) were officially set aside as a military cemetery by U.S. Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton.