On Hallowed Ground

The Story of Arlington National Cemetery

By: Robert M. Poole

Narrated by: Robert M. Poole

Length: 12 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

More than just a fascinating account of how Arlington came into being at the end of the Civil War, On Hallowed Ground also tells the story of America as reflected in her greatest national cemetery. The history of the land on which the cemetery is built is as varied as our nation's, evolving from its earliest days as Robert E. Lee's ancestral home to a Union headquarters, a haven for freedmen, and finally a burial ground. Robert Poole also shows how the landscape of Arlington changed along with our democracy. Originally segregated by race and rank, the organization of the plots alone tells a complex story.

Poole conducted new interviews exclusively for this audio edition of On Hallowed Ground, featuring a range of key players in the cemetery's history and day-to-day operations. He spoke with Wayne Parks, great grandson of the slaves owned by Robert E. Lee's family and the first cemetery groundskeeper; Gunnery Sergeant William J. Dixon, a Marine and Iraq war veteran who oversees the quality control of Marine funerals at Arlington; and Linda Willey, chairperson of the Arlington Ladies Committee for the Air Force, who makes sure that there is a civilian present at every Air Force funeral. Our edition of On Hallowed Ground features highlights from these and other interviews, as well as more exclusive material, including a rendition of "Taps" played by the Army's principal bugler.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

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Listen to An interview with Robert M. Poole.

©2009 Robert M. Poole (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Vivid, compelling, filled with rich and unexpected detail, On Hallowed Ground tells the little-understood story of Arlington National Cemetery and in the process chronicles how we have honored—and sometimes dishonored—those who gambled everything on our behalf. Robert M. Poole is a fine storyteller and this is a great story.” (Geoffrey C. Ward, author of The Civil War and The War: An Intimate History 1941-1945)

“Improbably gripping and often deeply moving, On Hallowed Ground chronicles both the evolution of our national cemetery and the profound ways in which treatment of the war dead reflects a nation's soul. Readers interested in political, social or military history from the Civil War on will want to read this book.” (Caroline Alexander, author of The Endurance)

"Engaging. Robert Poole is an adroit sketcher of historical events, but even more of character." ( The Economist)

“Graceful and dignified…perhaps more than any other secular site in America, Arlington casts a religious spell. The effect is not accidental…there is ample evidence of sacramental need in the many Arlington rituals that Mr. Poole relates in such moving detail." ( Wall Street Journal)

Incredible!

I don't usually go for history type books but this one caught my eye and I enjoyed it so much. It was very history informative and the added commentary from others that lived it was very moving. Arlington National Cemetery is a very important part of how this country honors and shows respect for its fallen soldiers, it was very interesting to learn of its origin to present day.

great book

the 2nd half of the book was a little less organized than the 1st. but overall it's filled with some great history and stories that bring a greater appreciation to the men and women barried in Arlington and how it came to be.

Hauntingly Captivating...

I started this book to prepare myself for an upcoming memorial service for a World War II sailor at Arlington. I found myself listening to it whenever I had a few moments, even sitting for a few minutes in my car after my commute to and from work. It gave me an understanding of the history and politics of this national treasure. Surprisingly, I found myself listening with such concentration, that at moments, I found myself tearing with emotion as if I was standing there with the families of our fallen soldiers. I found the voice of BlackJack the horse's handler describing JFK's funeral procession bringing me right back to that fateful week when I was a little boy watching everything on TV.

The author really did his homework, which is evident all throughout this well organized book. He takes us from the very beginnings of the estate through the most recent events. It also served as a history of the United States from the Civil War to the present, with the author showing how Arlington was tied into many national events of the time. This detail really came through when I actually visited the cemetery and found myself having a much deeper understanding of the ceremony, the locations and people buried there.

The author's narration was performed in a pleasant tone that would be proper for the subject at hand. The audio production was well done and did not notice the typical voice drop-ins that usually come with a book filled with many difficult pronunciations.

Simply put, it gave me a very clear understanding of the sacrifice of our Armed Forces and why they are so proud of the men and women who rest there.

I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Exceptional

As one interested in the Civil War and nineteenth century America, I found this book to be an excellent listen. Initially I thought it might be a military spin job, but was pleased at the writer's objectivity and honesty regarding this nation's warring ways.

3rd time

I listened to this a third time, a few years between each. This is the kind of history I love. A unique institution as an interface to the wider culture. It lands on so many fascinating pivot points in our history. And Poole’s approach, his choices, his handling of the information is perfect. Then we could talk about his reading of the book. Excellent!

On the money

I work at Arlington National Cemetery and this book is an excellent source for anyone wanting to know more than 'who is buried where.' The author approaches from a historical perspective that fleshes out the depth and soul of the cemetery, and the reason for its existence. I worried in the beginning that he was spending too much time on the Civil War portion, but later realized this serves as a foundation of all that happens later. Anyone working at or planning on visiting Arlington should read this book.

Excellent story of Honoring the Dead

What did you love best about On Hallowed Ground?

This presentation did more than tell the story of Arlington Cemetery but gave the background of how the United States has honored the dead through its history. I found it to be very interesting and enlightening to hear of the personalities who shaped this history. For anyone who has interest in Arlington or any of our National Cemeteries, this is a great read.

What does Robert M. Poole bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The author tells the story he wrote with feeling and passion. Also his inclusion of other voices to tell their particular story made the audio very interesting.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Although a book of history, it is a story that kept me wanting to listen to see how things developed in the various stages of the history of Arlington and in the changing policies that affected the return of the military dead from our overseas conflicts.

A Rich Documentary without images

Truly, the only downside to this book is the lack of images. I found myself sitting in front of Google Images as I listened, just to make sure I understood what the author was talking about.

This is a book that listens like a documentary on television. Brilliantly narrated, with some parts voiced by others, giving you a "History Channel" type of experience. I felt moved in so many places and was amazed at the rich history of this cemetery.

Americans should be proud of this place and Robert Poole has honoured veterans and their families with his beautiful work. I know I will be making a visit to the cemetery, just because of the passion of this book.

If you know a solider, you owe it to them to listen to this story.

Outstanding

I bought this book as a random buy and all i can say is that it is great. The author did a wonderful job with the book and the information. I would recommend this book to any one

Loving book

This book made me cry and VERY proud to be from the USA. Thank You