Most Americans know Arlington National Cemetery as the final resting place of military heroes and national leaders. Few, however, are familiar with the remarkable African American community that once existed on its grounds.
In Section 27 and Freedman’s Village in Arlington National Cemetery: The African American History of America’s Most Hallowed Ground, Ric Murphy uncovers a powerful and often overlooked chapter of American history. Through extensive research, he chronicles the lives of formerly enslaved men, women, and children who found refuge and opportunity at Freedman’s Village during and after the Civil War.
The book also explores Section 27, where thousands of African Americans are buried, preserving their stories and contributions for future generations. Murphy’s work reveals how this community played an important role in the nation’s journey from slavery toward freedom.
Readers interested in Civil War history, African American history, military history, or Arlington National Cemetery will find this book both enlightening and deeply moving.