Ric Murphy’s upcoming book, Section 27: The Forgotten History of Arlington National Cemetery, is an historic account of the African American men, women and children who were born, lived, farmed and became emancipated on the land now called “Arlington National Cemetery.”  

The book will explore the forgotten history and lives of these unsung heroes who helped to preserve the land and its legacy.

Located on the northeast portion of the property, Section 27 is the oldest but least recognized section of the cemetery, and is the final resting place for not only 1,500 African American soldiers who served in the United States Colored Troops during the American Civil War, but also nearly 3,800 former enslaved people who fled to the Federal City for protection and sanctuary during the Eastern Theater of the Civil War.

Expected publication date is late fall 2018.