Arlington National cemetery?

Question

Any Americans settle an argument?
I'm from London, and have been having a debate regarding the above.
I say that during the Civil War, Lincoln wanted a place to bury the Northern dead and it was decided to use General Lee's old home, which is in fact Arlington. That it would be Ironic that "Yankees" were buried in a Confederate General's back yard.
How true is this?

Answer 1

It is true. The cemetery was established on the grounds of Arlington House. This house belonged to the family of general Lee's wife Mary. Arlington House is situated directly across the Potomac River from Washington D.C., next to the present day location of the Pentagon. During the Civil War, this location was chosen to ensure that general Lee could never again return to his home. Nowadays, the house is a national memorial dedicated to the general.

Answer 2

That is basically true. It had a lot to do with the amount of land and general proximity to Washington D.C. too. I also like the fact that all the Confederate graves are rounded and the Union graves are pointed. They did this so no one would try and sit on the Union graves.

Answer 3

The short answer is that you are correct.

The long answer involves the fact that Lee was the trustee, not the owner of the estate at Arlington.

Answer 4

Here's the complete history of Arlington Nat'l Cemetery, if you care to read. It's very interesting.

Answer 5

Pretty close. I believe it was Gen Grant that decided on the location. Also he knew that Lee would never be able to return home after the war with a cemetery in his front yard..............

Answer 6

It is true. Take the tour and you find out all kinds of interesting history.

Answer 7

I think that in America cemeteries are illegal.