M illions of words have been written about Arlington National Cemetery through the years, but none can ever do justice to the singular atmosphere of the place itself. From its founding in 1866, just a year after the cataclysmic Civil War ended, through other, global conflicts, stunning scandals and massive cultural and political change, the 600 acres situated across the Potomac from the Lincoln Memorial have constituted sacred ground for generations of Americans.
Here, on the cemetery’s 150th anniversary, LIFE.com offers a series of photographs made at Arlington by George Silk. Never published in LIFE magazine, Silk’s pictures are appropriately quiet, reflective portraits of a small corner of the country that occupies a special, prominent place in the national consciousness.
A bugler plays "Taps" at Arlington National Cemetery, 1965. George Silk—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images Horses pull a caisson through Arlington National Cemetery, 1965. George Silk—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images View of Arlington National Cemetery, 1965. George Silk—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, 1965. George Silk—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images Arlington National Cemetery with Washington, DC, in the distance, 1965. George Silk—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images Groundskeepers, Arlington National Cemetery, 1965. George Silk—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images Arlington National Cemetery, 1965. George Silk—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images Digging a grave, Arlington National Cemetery, 1965. George Silk—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images The original, temporary John F. Kennedy "Eternal Flame," The original, temporary John F. Kennedy "Eternal Flame," 1965. George Silk—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images Horses pull a caisson through Arlington National Cemetery, 1965. George Silk—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images Funeral, Arlington National Cemetery, 1965. George Silk—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images Funeral, Arlington National Cemetery, 1965. George Silk—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images View of Arlington National Cemetery, 1965. George Silk—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images Tending a grave, Arlington National Cemetery, 1965. George Silk—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images Arlington National Cemetery, 1965. George Silk—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images Arlington National Cemetery, 1965. George Silk—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images Arlington National Cemetery, 1965. George Silk—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images Arlington National Cemetery, 1965. George Silk—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images A man rests in the shade at Arlington National Cemetery, 1965. George Silk—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images A resident squirrel perches on a headstone at Arlington National Cemetery, 1965. George Silk—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images More Must-Reads From TIME Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation Biden’s Campaign Is In Trouble. Will the Turnaround Plan Work? Why We're Spending So Much Money Now The Financial Influencers Women Actually Want to Listen To Breaker Sunny Choi Is Heading to Paris Why TV Can’t Stop Making Silly Shows About Lady Journalists The Case for Wearing Shoes in the House Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time