About the book
The hallowed ground of Arlington National Cemetery bears witness to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect the nation’s ideals of freedom and justice for all. But, as William A. Blair reveals, another history lies beneath—an African American freedom struggle that has been erased from the landscape. Before the Civil War, enslaved people labored, escaped, raised families, and died at Arlington on a plantation founded by George Washington Parke Custis and inherited by the wife of Confederate general Robert E. Lee. After the Union army confiscated the Lee estate, Freedman’s Village was established on the site, offering refuge to a vibrant community of thousands of newly emancipated African Americans. In creating a neighborhood with homes, schools, businesses, and networks with free Blacks in the nation’s capital and beyond, Arlington’s freedpeople played a consequential—if largely forgotten—role in advancing liberty and equality through the rest of the nineteenth century.
This deeply researched and accessibly written story brings Arlington’s African American past to vivid life. Drawing on extensive historical research conducted at Arlington House and on the national cemetery grounds, Blair offers a definitive account of individuals and families on an inspiring journey from slavery to freedom.
Editions of Arlington
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781469698748
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469696584
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469696591
- PDF
- ISBN 9781469696607
Read an Excerpt
The hallowed ground of Arlington National Cemetery bears witness to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect the nation’s ideals of freedom and justice for all. But, as William A. Blair reveals, another history lies beneath—an African American freedom struggle that has been erased from the landscape. Before the Civil War, enslaved people labored, escaped, raised families, and died at Arlington on a plantation founded by George Washington Parke Custis and inherited by the wife of Confederate general Robert E. Lee. After the Union army confiscated the Lee estate, Freedman’s Village was established on the site, offering refuge to a vibrant community of thousands of newly emancipated African Americans. In creating a neighborhood with homes, schools, businesses, and networks with free Blacks in the nation’s capital and beyond, Arlington’s freedpeople played a consequential—if largely forgotten—role in advancing liberty and equality through the rest of the nineteenth century.
This deeply researched and accessibly written story brings Arlington’s African American past to vivid life. Drawing on extensive historical research conducted at Arlington House and on the national cemetery grounds, Blair offers a definitive account of individuals and families on an inspiring journey from slavery to freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arlington about?
The hallowed ground of Arlington National Cemetery bears witness to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect the nation’s ideals of freedom and justice for all. But, as William A. Blair reveals, another history lies beneath—an African American freedom struggle that has been erased from the landscape. Before the Civil War, enslaved people labored, escaped, raised families, and died at Arlington on a plantation founded by George Washington Parke Custis and inherited by the wife of Confederate general Robert E. Lee. After the Union army confiscated the Lee estate, Freedman’s Village was established on the site, offering refuge to a vibrant community of thousands of newly emancipated African Americans. In creating a neighborhood with homes, schools, businesses, and networks with free Blacks in the nation’s capital and beyond, Arlington’s freedpeople played a consequential—if largely forgotten—role in advancing liberty and equality through the rest of the nineteenth century.
This deeply researched and accessibly written story brings Arlington’s African American past to vivid life. Drawing on extensive historical research conducted at Arlington House and on the national cemetery grounds, Blair offers a definitive account of individuals and families on an inspiring journey from slavery to freedom.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Arlington?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of Arlington?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469698748
How long is Arlington and how many pages does it have?
Arlington has 246 page(s)
Is Arlington part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Civil War America
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Arlington?
William A. Blair
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Arlington is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781469698748) and paperback(ISBN 9781469696584) and ebook(ISBN 9781469696591) and pdf(ISBN 9781469696607)
Where can I buy Arlington online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Arlington?