The Civil War Nurses of Arlington National Cemetery
On Friday, March 22, 2024, join the Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) History Office for a special new walking tour focused on the pioneering female Civil War nurses buried in Section 1 of the cemetery. Join us as we visit their graves and honor their contributions to the military during Women’s History Month. The tour will explain how women became involved in Civil War soldiers’ medical care, the locations and conditions under which nurses served, and the long-term impact of their service on their own health. It will also highlight their postwar careers and impact on society, including their participation in patriotic and veterans’ organizations. These Civil War nurses’ contributions to the U.S. Army paved the way for subsequent generations of military nurses to be buried and commemorated at ANC.
This public walking tour will be approximately 60 minutes long. It is free and no pre-registration is required. The tour will include a brief history of the cemetery, the importance of Decoration Day, the establishment of Section 1, and a discussion of how and why these pioneering nurses came to be interred at ANC.
Date: March 22, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Tanner Amphitheater
Those interested in attending will meet at the Tanner Amphitheater, located just behind Arlington House and near the Tomb of the Civil War Unknowns. This walking tour will be held rain or shine—please dress appropriately for weather conditions. This is a walking tour, so wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to walk on both sidewalks and uneven grassy terrain. Regardless of temperature, be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated! The tour will conclude on the western side of Humphries Drive.