2026 marks the sesquicentennial of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, in addition to the second year of America’s armed struggle for liberty.
Learn more about the memorialization of the Revolutionary War on a free 2-hour guided walk in Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) to visit graves and memorials connected to the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence.
The starting point will be at the Arlington House at 9 a.m. and the hike will end at the Memorial Amphitheater. Please allow sufficient time to arrive at the ANC Welcome Center via Metro or car, go through security, and arrive at the starting point at Arlington House. Participants can either walk to the starting point or purchase Tram tickets, if desired.
All questions should be directed to the National Museum of the United States Army (usarmy.belvoir.hqda.mbx.programs-education-division@army.mil), not Arlington National Cemetery or the National Park Service.
Ability level: Moderate due to hilly terrain.
Register to attend the History Hike on April 10 here
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 Kevin Pawlak 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 the History Hike on June 20 here