Arlington Cemetery's Uncle Jim

October 17, 2015  •  Leave a Comment

Jim Parks was born as a slave on the land of Arlington National Cemetery. He and the land then belonged to George Washington Parke Custis, adopted son of the more famous George Washington. When the Civil War broke out in 1861 the owners left but Jim stayed. When the estate became the national cemetery in 1864, Jim dug graves for fallen Union soldiers. After the war, he helped restore the house and grounds. When "Uncle Jim" died, he was buried with full military honors for his service.

Jim witnessed the grounds of the estate become home for former slaves at Freeman's Village.


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