History Hikes

1898-1918: The Army Overseas, a Walking Tour with the National Army Museum

Friday, September 12, 2025 | 9 a.m. | In-Person (Off Site)

Location: Arlington National Cemetery

At the end of the 19th century, the United States increasingly turned its attention to international conflicts. The Army played a major role in foreign operations, sending Soldiers to Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippine Islands, and China. In 1917, American Doughboys went to Europe and fought their way across the battlefields of World War I to tip the balance in favor of France, Great Britain, and the other Allied nations.

Learn more about this often-overlooked period in American history on a free 2-hour guided walk in Arlington National Cemetery to visit graves and memorials connected to the country’s first 20 years of overseas military involvement. The tour will include the USS Maine Memorial, the Spanish American War Memorial, the Rough Riders Memorial, and several sites related to World War I.

The walk will be approximately 1.5 miles long, over hilly terrain. The starting point will be at the Arlington House at 9 a.m. Please allow sufficient time to park and arrive at the starting point.

All questions should be directed to the National Museum of the United States Army (john.r.maass.civ@army.mil), not Arlington National Cemetery or the National Park Service.

Ability Level: moderate due to hilly terrain. The hike will be on paved trails. Participants provide their own transportation and water.

Register to attend In-Person on Friday, September 12 at Arlington National Cemetery.

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The Battle of Bristoe Station, 1862

Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 10 a.m. | In-Person (Off Site)

Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 10 a.m. | In-Person (Off Site)

Location: Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park Visitor Center

In the Civil War summer of 1862, Union and Confederate forces clashed along the Orange and Alexandria railroad in what became the first battle of the bloody Second Manassas Campaign. Join historian and site manager of Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park for a walking tour of the 140-acre battlefield in western Prince William County, Virginia.

This free 2-hour walking tour takes place at the Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park visitor center, located just off Bristow Road (Rt. 619) at the corner of Iron Bridge Unit Avenue and Tenth Alabama Way, Bristow, VA 20136.

Ability Level: moderate due to terrain. The hike will be on unpaved trails on mostly level terrain. Participants provide their own transportation and water.

Register to attend In-Person on Thursday, November 13

Register to attend In-Person on Saturday, November 15