Freedman's Village
Freedman's Village, Arlington, VA. Date uncertain; likely 1863-1865; printed ca. 1880s. Source: Library of Congress.
Although best known as a military burial ground, Arlington National Cemetery also has important connections to the history of slavery and emancipation in the era of the Civil War (1861-1865) and Reconstruction (1865-1877). This historic site includes the former location of Freedman’s Village, a community for previously enslaved people. This page provides a brief introduction to this complex and significant story.
Arlington National Cemetery was established during the Civil War on land that had previously been a plantation operated with the labor of enslaved African Americans. Today, Arlington House—the original estate—is run by the National Park Service. Even before the Army established a military cemetery on the Arlington property, part of the land housed a Freedman’s Village, one of many created during the Civil War.
These villages were temporary settlements established by the federal government for formerly enslaved people—essentially refugee camps for men, women and children. The Freedman’s Village on the Arlington property evolved into a unique and thriving community with schools, hospitals, churches and social services. While intended to be temporary, the community thrived and fought to remain on the property. However, by 1900, all residents had been removed and Freedman’s Village ceased to exist. Nonetheless, this community continues to have a lasting local and national legacy.
The Arlington Freedman’s Village connects Arlington National Cemetery to the national history of slavery and emancipation. It forms a significant episode in the cemetery’s early years and remains rich with stories to be told.
► To learn more about the history and legacy of Freedman’s Village, watch our webinar with the National Archives, co-created with a leader of the Arlington descendent community.
April 1864 drawing of the Arlington Freedman’s Village, by Alfred R. Waud. Source: Library of Congress.
Additional Resources
• Walking Tour: Freedman's Village
• Education Program "Lifelong Learners" Essay: Freedman's Village at Arlington
• Education Program: African American History at Arlington National Cemetery
• Education Program: The Civil War
• History of Arlington National Cemetery
• Section 27
• Notable Graves: African Americans