Final answer:
Arlington National Cemetery was originally the property of the Custis and later the Lee family. It became a military cemetery during the Civil War, reflecting changes in American burial practices which evolved from simple graves to more park-like and monumental spaces.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before it became the iconic Arlington National Cemetery, the land served different purposes and changed hands among notable families. Initially, the land that is now Arlington had been the property of the Custis family. Eventually, it became the property of the Lee family through marriage. This land was notably owned by George Washington Parke Custis and later by his daughter, Mary Custis Lee, who was married to General Robert E. Lee. When the Civil War broke out, the estate was seized, and part of the land was designated as a military cemetery to accommodate the growing number of casualties, thus becoming Arlington National Cemetery.
The transformation of cemeteries over time reflects broader changes in American societal norms and practices. Early cemeteries in New England were simple and unadorned, while later developments saw more elaborate and park-like designs, including the creation of national cemeteries in the wake of Civil War battles. One notable example involves the grounds following the Battle of Gettysburg, where the fallen were initially buried hastily, leading to the establishment of a national cemetery there. This concept evolved into what we now know as Arlington National Cemetery, a dignified and respected resting place for America's service members.