Cradle of Victory Trail
Northern Virginia’s World War II Heritage Trail
On December 7, 1941 America changed forever. In Virginia, the call to service was absolute. Over the course of World War II, 300,000 Virginians enlisted, more than 10 percent of the entire commonwealth’s population. From the construction of the Pentagon, the largest building in the world, to the transformation of farms into intelligence gathering stations, to public parks becoming prisoner of war camps, Virginia was transformed. Virginians, men and women, went to work in support of the war from coal mining to making torpedoes. Of the Virginians who served in the armed services overseas, 7,000 never returned. Bedford, Virginia, gave the ultimate sacrifice, losing more sons per capita than any other town in the nation.
Given its proximity to Washington, D.C, Northern Virginia played a vital role in supporting our nation during World War II. The region is home to the nation’s military leadership with the Pentagon, Quantico, Fort Meyer, and Fort Belvoir located here. Arlington Cemetery honors the memory of the men and women who served in World War II including many honored Five Star Generals and Admirals. Distinguished leaders throughout American history chose this historically rich region to make their home including Gen. George C. Marshall, author of the Marshall Plan.
The “Cradle of Victory” World War II Heritage Trail honors these and all Americans by encouraging current and future generations to seek out and learn from the historic lessons of valor from the America’s greatest generation.
Arlington, VA 22003
703-607-8000
Arlington National Cemetery/Fort Meyer
For almost four million people who visit annually, Arlington National Cemetery represents many different things. For some it is a chance to walk among the headstones that chronicle American history; for many, it is an opportunity to remember and honor the nation’s war heroes. As of March 2002, 372 World War II Medal of Honor recipients are interred or memorialized in the cemetery. Many Five-Star Generals and Admirals from World War II are buried at Arlington Cemetery including: Adm. William D. Leahy, Gen. George C. Marshall, Gen. Henry H. Arnold, Adm. William F. Halsey, and Gen. Omar N. Bradley.
217 Edwards Ferry Road
Leesburg, VA 20176
703-777-1880
The Restoration of General George C. Marshall’s Personal Residence / George C. Marshall International Center
Peek behind the scenes and observe the ongoing restoration of Dodona Manor, home to General and Mrs. George C. Marshall from 1941 to 1959. Purchased when Marshall was Army Chief of Staff, Dodona Manor often served as a backdrop to conversations of national and international importance. Volunteers are restoring items from the extensive collection of Marshall’s furniture and memorabilia and the Garden Club of Virginia is transforming General Marshall’s long-neglected gardens.
Engineer Training Camp
Fort Belvoir
703-806-4892
Engineer Training Camp
As in World War I, during World War II, Fort Belvoir trained the US Army?s engineering soldiers and became home to the Engineering Replacement Training Center. By the end of the war, more than 147,000 engineering troops had passed through the fort and were trained in reconnaissance, demolition, and road and obstacle construction. Fort Belvoir is located in southern Fairfax County on the Historic Richmond Highway.
Herndon Dulles Visitors Center, 717 Lynn St.
Herndon, VA 20172
703-437-6366
Artifacts from the U.S.S. Herndon (ongoing exhibit)
The exhibit features photographs of the U.S.S. Herndon, a U.S. Navy Destroyer that participated in the invasions of Sicily, Normandy and southern France and escorted President Roosevelt to Yalta. The ship’s instruments, bell, and American flag are on display, as well as its muster roll, anchor log, and a Japanese surrender flag.
Quantico, VA 22172
800-397-7585
National Museum of the Marine Corps- Opening Fall of 2006
The National Museum of the Marine Corps will be a state-of-the-art facility honoring, preserving, and telling America’s story through the eyes of the Marines. That story is first told through magnificent architectural design evoking the Marine’s importance to the American people. The building features a dramatic 210-foot tilted mast and glass atrium inspired by the flag raising at Iwo Jima. Inside, a massive Central Gallery and surrounding era galleries will take visitors through the 225-year history of the Marines, including pivotal battles and other vital contributions to the preservation of America’s freedom. Opening Fall 2006.
14390 Air & Space Museum Parkway
Chantilly, VA 20151
202-357-2700
World War II Aircraft
Visit the National Air and Space Museum’s new Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. Here you can view 10 significant World War II aircraft including the B-29 Enola Gay, a P-47 Thunderbolt, a P-40 Kitty Hawk, an F4U Corsair, a P-38 Lightening, a Hawker Hurricane, an Aichi M6A1 Seiran, a Kawanishi n1k2-Ja Shiden Ki GEORGE, a Focke Wulf Fw 190F, and an Arado Ar 234B-2 Blitz.
11250 Waples Mill Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-267-1600
World War II Artifacts
The National Rifle Association’s National Firearms Museum houses one of the most extensive firearms collections in the country. The “Every Vigilant” gallery explores World War II, with a collection of 60 Thompson submachine guns used during WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Desert Storm, and includes a life-size diorama, depicting the men of the 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division (Blue and Gray), securing the town of St. Lo in Normandy and France for the Allied invasion force.
Adjacent to the U.S Marine Corps Memorial, bordering the north end of Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, VA
703-289-2500/2550/2552
A Gift of Gratitude
The Netherlands Carillon, a gift to the United States, symbolizes the gratitude of the Dutch people for American aid received during and after World War II. It represents the friendship between the two countries. In 1954, the original 49-bell carillon was formally installed in a temporary tower in West Potomac Park. The present tower, located adjacent to the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial and bordering Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, became operational on May 5, 1960, on the 15th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands from the Nazis. Joost W. C. Boks, a leading Dutch architect, designed the tower, which is approximately 127 feet high, 25’ deep, and 36’ wide. In 1995 the bell was modernized and received a 50th bell from the Dutch people. Planted on the surrounding grounds are thousands of tulip bulbs which bloom every spring.
9000 Richmond Highway
Alexandria, VA 22309
703-780-4000
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House
Tour the Pope-Leighey House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright designed structure in the Washington area open to the public. Learn how this extraordinary house was built at an extraordinary time - 1940. Tours focus on the World War II years and their effect on the home and its inhabitants.
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Admission: $7.50 adults; $3 children K-12; Group rates for 15 or more people
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Time: Open daily, 10 am - 5pm. Closed January, February, Thanksgiving and Christmas
3250 Catlin Avenue
Quantico, VA, 22172
703-784-2741
Quantico Marine Corps Base
Since its inception in 1917, Marine Corp Base, Quantico, has been the “frontline of innovation.” Marine concepts, doctrines, training, and equipment of the future are initiated aboard the Base. The techniques of amphibious warfare, for which the Corps is renowned, were conceived and perfected here in preparation for World War II’s D-Day invasion.
