Custis Tombs Arlington VA
Discover the Custis Tombs, a serene historical site on Virginia's Eastern Shore, connecting you to colonial ancestors and early American history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy the serene countryside views
Custis Tombs Arlington VA
Best Time
Enjoy the serene countryside views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the Custis Tombs, a serene historical site on Virginia's Eastern Shore, connecting you to colonial ancestors and early American history.
"A beautiful historic tomb off the beaten path, well worth the short visit for a history lesson."
🚗 Easy Access Parking
A small gravel parking lot is available, making it convenient to stop and visit.
🚶♀️ Follow the Mowed Paths
Well-maintained grass paths lead you from the parking area to the tombs and historical markers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Custis Tombs
Arlington Manor Site
The final resting place of John Custis II and IV, offering a tangible connection to colonial Virginia's history.
Arlington Manor Footprint
Near the Tombs
Marked by posts, this outlines the original manor house, giving a sense of the scale of the historic estate.
Informative Storyboards
Along the path
Detailed plaques share the history of the Custis family, Bacon's Rebellion, and the site's significance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Quick Historical Detour
Planning Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Access Parking
A small gravel parking lot is available, making it convenient to stop and visit.
🚶♀️ Follow the Mowed Paths
Well-maintained grass paths lead you from the parking area to the tombs and historical markers.
⏱️ Quick Visit
Allow about 10-15 minutes to fully appreciate the site and its history.
📜 History Buff's Delight
Discover the stories of the Custis family and colonial Virginia.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Access Parking
A small gravel parking lot is available, making it convenient to stop and visit.
🚶♀️ Follow the Mowed Paths
Well-maintained grass paths lead you from the parking area to the tombs and historical markers.
⏱️ Quick Visit
Allow about 10-15 minutes to fully appreciate the site and its history.
📜 History Buff's Delight
Discover the stories of the Custis family and colonial Virginia.
📍 Off the Beaten Path
A peaceful stop located a short drive off the main highway.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Custis Tombs to be a beautiful, historic site offering a glimpse into colonial Virginia's past. It's praised for being well-maintained, free to visit, and a peaceful detour with informative storyboards. Some find the location a bit unusual, feeling like it's in someone's backyard, and the experience is quite brief.
"Beautiful historic tomb off the beaten path. Right on the water. Would’ve been an impressive piece of property several hundred years ago. 10-15 minutes is sufficient for visiting time but well worth it"
Whit Widdowson
"Briefly the Capitol of the Virginia Colony. This is the site of Curtis II’s tomb. Interesting connection to the Bacon Rebellion. There are also plaques to natives and African Americans from this area.
There is a small parking lot, and the grass is cut for a walkway.
Free to visit.
Well maintained."
Kristy Johnson
"A beautiful drive through some serene countryside. It is a small stop but pretty views and a history lesson."
leah hendee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Custis Tombs are located about 2.5 miles off U.S. Route 13 on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Look for signs directing visitors to the site.
Yes, there is a small gravel parking area available for visitors.
While it's a bit off the main highway, signs are posted to guide you to the historic site.
Public transportation options are limited in this rural area. Driving is the most practical way to reach the site.
The site is accessible from U.S. Route 13. Follow local signage for the most direct route from the highway.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting the Custis Tombs is completely free of charge.
The site is generally accessible during daylight hours, as it is an outdoor historical marker.
There is no admission fee; the site is free for all visitors.
Yes, the outdoor site is accessible year-round, though weather conditions may affect comfort.
As an outdoor historical site, general respect for the grounds and historical markers is expected.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the tombs of John Custis II and IV, the marked footprint of the Arlington Manor House, and informative storyboards detailing the history of the Custis family and the area.
Most visitors find that 10-15 minutes is sufficient time to explore the site and read the historical information.
Yes, reviews indicate the site is well-maintained, with mowed grass paths and cared-for historical markers.
Restroom facilities are not typically mentioned as being available at this small historical site.
The site offers scenic views and historical elements, making it a good spot for photography, especially for those interested in history and landscapes.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the historic tombs themselves, the marked footprint of the Arlington Manor, and the surrounding serene countryside for picturesque shots.
The rural setting and waterfront proximity offer lovely landscape photography opportunities, especially during the golden hours.
Yes, the storyboards and plaques are part of the historical experience and can be photographed.
Late afternoon can offer beautiful light for photography, enhancing the serene atmosphere of the site.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but standard etiquette for visiting historical sites applies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Since it's a quick visit, it's perfect for breaking up a longer car journey. Pack some snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited. The open space around the site can also be a nice spot for kids to stretch their legs before getting back in the car.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
Take your time to read the informative storyboards and imagine the grandeur of the original Arlington Manor. The site's peaceful, less-visited nature allows for a more contemplative historical experience. It's a valuable addition to any itinerary focused on Virginia's rich past.
🚗 Road Trippers
This site provides a refreshing break from driving, offering a chance to stretch your legs and absorb a bit of local history. It's a peaceful, well-maintained spot that won't take up much of your travel time but will leave you with a sense of historical discovery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Custis Family Legacy
The Arlington Manor House, though no longer standing, was once a substantial estate. Its footprint is now marked by posts, allowing visitors to visualize the scale of the original home. Exploring this site offers a tangible link to the lives of prominent colonial families and the broader social fabric of the time. It's a quiet spot that invites reflection on the past.
Historical Context and Significance
Visiting the Custis Tombs provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and connect with the foundational periods of American history. The site's location, described as being 'off the beaten path' and offering 'pretty views,' adds to its charm as a peaceful historical detour. It's a place where history is not just read about but can be felt in the quiet solitude of the landscape.
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