James Parks, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

James Parks

The only person buried on Arlington National Cemetery that was born on the grounds

Date of Birth: 19-Mar-1843

Place of Birth: Arlington County, Virginia, United States

Date of Death: 21-Aug-1929

Nationality: United States

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

James Parks (March 19, 1843 – August 21, 1929) was a freed slave who is prominently buried in Arlington National Cemetery and is the only person buried there who was born on the grounds. He was born a slave but was later freed by his owner and continued to work at the cemetery as a grave digger.
He helped historians locate some of the buildings and landmarks that existed prior to the establishment of Arlington National Cemetery such as the slave cemetery, roads and other key locations. He died at Freedman's Village in Arlington, Virginia and was granted special permission to be buried at Arlington by the Secretary of War.