The Memorial Bridge pictured here crosses the Potomac River between the Lincoln Memorial and the Arlington National Cemetery, which is on the hill in the background of this photo. At the time of the Civil War, the Custis-Lee Mansion (also known as Arlington House) at the top of the hill belonged to Robert E. Lee and his wife, Mary Anna Custis Lee, who was the only surviving child of George Washington Parke Custis--George Washington's step-grandson and adopted son and the builder of Arlington House. When the casualties increased at the beginning of the Civil War, Union General Montgomery C. Meigs made the grounds surrounding the house a military cemetery, with the intention of making the house uninhabitable should the Lees ever attempt to return to live there. The rose garden that is to the left of the mansion contains a burial vault with the remains of 1,800 soldiers killed during the first major battle of the Civil War, the Battle of Bull Run.
Great history Karen! The photo is beautifully composed. I particularly like the pattern created by the arches of the bridge going across the water. Also the reflections of the water on the inside of those arches adds another element of interest. Just gorgeous! Faved.
That shot is very well composed and leads the eye to different aspects of the image. Not many know today of the reason why the cemetery was placed at Arlington. Thank you for sharing your fascinating history.
Really nice composition. Like the way the arches of the bridge mirror the curve of the hill - reminds me of the landscaped gardens of Capability Brown - perhaps why John picked up an English vibe?
Your photos of our Nations Capitol are wonderful. Makes me really want to visit..haven't been there since about 1976! Yikes!! This is a very lovely pov and beautifully composed!
