Mary Randolph

Washington, D.C., US

Mary Randolph
Mary Randolph
Location
Washington, D.C., US
Category
heritage historic sites
Coordinates
38.881864, -77.0722338
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

The grave of Mary Randolph serves as a significant historical marker within Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. As the first person known to be interred on these hallowed grounds, her burial predates the cemetery’s official establishment as a military burial site by decades. Mary Randolph, who passed away in 1828, was a member of the prominent Custis-Lee family circle and is perhaps best known historically as the author of 'The Virginia Housewife,' one of the most influential American cookbooks of the 19th century. Visitors to Arlington National Cemetery often include this site as part of their historical itinerary, as it provides a rare glimpse into the pre-military history of the land. When planning your visit to explore the diverse local attractions in the capital, the grave offers a quiet, reflective space to contemplate the early history of the estate. The site is situated near the Arlington House, allowing guests to easily integrate this stop into their broader trip ideas while touring the cemetery. The grave is marked by a simple, dignified monument that stands as a testament to the site's evolution from a private plantation to a national landmark. Visitors should anticipate a walking experience across the cemetery grounds, and it is highly recommended to check the local weather forecast before visiting to ensure a comfortable walk through this historic landscape.

General information

The grave of Mary Randolph serves as a significant historical marker within Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. As the first person known to be interred on these hallowed grounds, her burial predates the cemetery’s official establishment as a military burial site by decades. Mary Randolph, who passed away in 1828, was a member of the prominent Custis-Lee family circle and is perhaps best known historically as the author of 'The Virginia Housewife,' one of the most influential American cookbooks of the 19th century. Visitors to Arlington National Cemetery often include this site as part of their historical itinerary, as it provides a rare glimpse into the pre-military history of the land. When planning your visit to explore the diverse local attractions in the capital, the grave offers a quiet, reflective space to contemplate the early history of the estate. The site is situated near the Arlington House, allowing guests to easily integrate this stop into their broader trip ideas while touring the cemetery. The grave is marked by a simple, dignified monument that stands as a testament to the site's evolution from a private plantation to a national landmark. Visitors should anticipate a walking experience across the cemetery grounds, and it is highly recommended to check the local weather forecast before visiting to ensure a comfortable walk through this historic landscape.

Did you know

  • Mary Randolph was the author of 'The Virginia Housewife,' published in 1824, which is considered the first regional American cookbook.
  • She was buried at the Arlington estate in 1828, long before the land was designated as a national cemetery in 1864.
  • Her husband, David Meade Randolph, was a cousin of Thomas Jefferson.

History

Mary Randolph (1762–1828) was a member of the influential Virginia planter class. Her burial at the Arlington estate occurred in 1828, decades before the federal government seized the property during the American Civil War. The estate was owned by George Washington Parke Custis, whose daughter, Mary Anna Randolph Custis, married Robert E. Lee. Mary Randolph’s presence on the grounds predates the formal establishment of Arlington National Cemetery, which began in 1864 when the first military burials were conducted on the property. Her grave remains a permanent fixture, preserved through the transition of the land from a private family plantation to a national military shrine.

Cultural significance

Mary Randolph holds a unique place in American cultural history, primarily due to her contributions to domestic life and culinary arts. Her book, 'The Virginia Housewife,' went through many editions and helped codify Southern cooking traditions in the early 19th century. Within the context of Arlington National Cemetery, her grave serves as a cultural bridge between the site's origins as a plantation and its modern identity as a national monument. It reminds visitors that the landscape held deep familial and social significance for the Custis and Lee families long before it became a place of national mourning and commemoration for those who served in the armed forces.

Geography and landscape

The grave of Mary Randolph is located within the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, situated on the rolling hills overlooking the Potomac River. The landscape is characterized by meticulously maintained lawns, mature trees, and the structured arrangement of white headstones that define the cemetery’s aesthetic. The site is in close proximity to Arlington House, the former residence of the Custis and Lee families, which sits atop a prominent ridge. The terrain is hilly and requires walking along paved paths that wind through the historic sections of the cemetery. The surrounding environment is quiet and somber, designed to encourage reflection and respect for the history contained within the grounds.

More facts

  • Imported from OSM batch

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