Fort Myer, Arlington

Fort Myer, now known as Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall, is a U.S. Army post located next to Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County. Originally established during the American Civil War as Fort Cass and Fort Whipple, it merged with the neighboring Marine Corps installation, Henderson Hall, in 2005.

The land where Fort Myer stands was once part of the Arlington estate owned by Mary Anna Custis Lee, wife of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. After Virginia seceded from the Union, the U.S. government confiscated the estate, using it as a burial ground, housing for freed slaves, and for military purposes.

Renamed Fort Myer in 1881 to honor Brigadier General Albert J. Myer, the post has served various roles, including as a Signal Corps station and home to the Army's ceremonial units. It was also the site of the first military aircraft flight and the first aviation fatality in 1908.

Throughout its history, Fort Myer has been involved in significant military and technological developments, including the establishment of the National Weather Service and the first transatlantic radio communication. It has played a key role in various military operations, including World War I and the response to the September 11th attacks.