The Oldest

What you are looking at is believed to be the oldest grave in all of Arlington National Cemetery. This one actually predates the creation of the cemetery and contains the godmother of General Robert E.. Lee's wife. Mary Randolph wrote the first American cookbook and died in 1828. The cemetery was not used for military burials until the Civil War. At the time, it was customary for people to be buried near their home, even on their own property. It's rather amazing to me that the monument has survived to this day.