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ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY: The search for Benteen
While reading an article about Capt. Frederick W. Benteen, I discovered that after his retirement from the military, he resided in Atlanta, Georgia until his death. The article also stated that Benteen was buried at the National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Taking this as another Custer challenge, and knowing that I would be visiting the Washington, D.C. soon, I made it a top priority to locate the final resting place of Custer's nemesis, and pay my respects.
He was born on August 24, 1834, in Petersburg, Virginia, to Theodore C. Benteen and and Caroline (Hargrove) Benteen. He retired from the military July 7, 1888 and resided in Atlanta, Georgia. He died at age 63 on June 22, 1898, in Atlanta. Buried on June 25 (interesting) in Atlanta. and was moved to Arlington National Cemetery in November 1902. His widow (Catherine Louisa Norman) joined him on February 17, 1906.
For additional information on other 7th Cavalry members interred at Arlington, go to this site:
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While searching for Benteen, I soon discovered that Arlington Cemetery is a military history lesson unto itself. From the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to the Iwo Jima Memorial just outside the north entrance, one is overwhelmed by the solemn reminders of our great American past. The photos below are but a sampling of what can be encountered there.
There are many former members of the 7th Cavalry resting at Arlington. One that I found was:
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Others from the Indian Wars included:
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From WW II, Generals Row:
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They also served:
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