If you love the history of the United States of America, you have no doubt visited Washington D.C., or at least have the U.S. capital on your bucket list. However, what many people unfamiliar with the area don’t know is that there’s just as much beauty and history just across the river from the capital in Arlington, Virginia. Whether you’re visiting on a vacation or plan to invest in Arlington real estate, there’s a lot to explore in the area just around the capital and so much history to learn. Here are some of the most interesting and educational experiences for anyone visiting Arlington.
Iwo Jima Memorial
Located at the back of Arlington National Cemetery is the iconic Iwo Jima Memorial— the United States Marine Corps monument, dedicated to those Marine Corps members who passed away while defending the country. This statue is based on the photo, taken in 1945, of six Marines raising a U.S. flag on top of Mount Suribachi during the World War II Battle of Iwo Jima.Â
National 9/11 Pentagon MemorialÂ
The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial stands just outside the Pentagon as a reminder of the lives lost during the 9/11 tragedy. The Pentagon itself was one of the locations that suffered from the terrorist attack, when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the building, killing all passangers as well as 125 individuals in the Pentagon, totaling 184 lives lost.
The events of that day were incredibly impactful to people all around the country who lived through it, no matter where they were located at the time. Those who are old enough at the time will always remember where they were and what they were doing when the first plane struck the Twin Towers, and the intense feeling of mourning the country felt from that day forward. This memorial serves as a way to allow people to grieve and honor those who did not survive the attack at the Pentagon. The memorial features the names and ages of every person impacted, which gives the memorial a deeply solemn feeling that permeates the area.Â
Mount Vernon Trail
If you’re a fan of the outdoors and national history, the Mount Vernon Trail is the perfect place to visit. This 17-mile trail takes travelers along the Potomac River beginning near Arlington Cemetery and ending at Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, the former home of George Washington. The George Washington Parkway, which also runs along the same route, can often become congested from commuters and tourists, so many visitors choose to bike or walk along the Mount Vernon trail as a way to enjoy the scenery and the fresh air while also experiencing the history Arlington has to offer.
Arlington House
Also located on the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery is the Arlington House, formerly the home of Robert E. Lee, the Confederate general. After the Civil War had ended, this Greek revival-style mansion and the land surrounding it became the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, a practical yet symbolic way to show Lee that he was no longer welcome back to his home. Today, you can visit the Arlington House to get a better understanding of how the Lee family lived during the late 1800’s. This attraction is fun, educational, and free to the public.
