Old Amphitheater at Arlington Cemetery is a photograph by Stuart Litoff which was uploaded on August 31st, 2015.
Old Amphitheater at Arlington Cemetery
Originally built in 1873 for the celebration of the fifth Decoration Day, the Old Amphitheater played a crucial role in all May 30 celebrations at... more
Title
Old Amphitheater at Arlington Cemetery
Artist
Stuart Litoff
Medium
Photograph
Description
Originally built in 1873 for the celebration of the fifth Decoration Day, the "Old" Amphitheater played a crucial role in all May 30 celebrations at Arlington National Cemetery until 1920 when the larger Memorial Amphitheater was dedicated.
On May 30, 2014, Arlington National Cemetery renamed the “Old Amphitheater” to honor Corporal James R. Tanner in conjunction with the annual Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Decoration Day observance. Tanner, a corporal in the 87th New York Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, suffered a gruesome wound at the Second Battle of Bull Run in August 1862 which resulted in the loss of both legs. After the war, tTanner became a stenographer and was present both at Abraham Lincoln's deathbed and during the trial of the Lincoln conspirators. He was an advocate for veterans' rights and served for a time as the Commissioner of Pensions. He later became the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is buried a few yards from the structure that now bears his name.
Uploaded
August 31st, 2015
