Arlington National Cemetery Improvements – Arlington VA

Description

Project cards in the National Archives index describes extensive work to be undertaken by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in Arlington National Cemetery in 1938-41.  

“Reconstruct and improve roads and streets in Arlington National Cemetery Reservation located near Fort Myer in Arlington County; Improve buildings, grounds and utilities of the Arlington National Cemetery by painting, brick and carpentry work, razing old buildings, grading, top soiling, seeding, planting trees, spraying and shrubs, setting and realigning headstones, rebuilding rubble masonry wall, rip-rapping streams, laying drain pipe; Improve and enlarge existing facilities and improve grounds at Arlington National Cemetery. The work includes installing water mains, electric conduits, and drainage facilities; rehabilitating buildings, including painting; providing, widening, and resurfacing roadways; placing curbs and gutters; laying out burial lots, realigning headstones; paving streams (?); landscaping; and performing appurtenant and incidental work.”

Unfortunately, WPA project cards only show work approved but not whether it was completed.  We have not found confirming reports on this work, though it was probably carried out.