Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is buried alongside President John F. Kennedy at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Her final resting place is Section 30, Grave 4582, located near the Eternal Flame he ignited after his burial in November 1963. Additional family members, including son Patrick Bouvier Kennedy and infant daughter Arabella, are also interred nearby. This verified explanation clarifies the cemetery, specific burial plot, and historical context while distinguishing confirmed burial details from related memorial practices and other family interments.
Arlington National Cemetery: The Confirmed Burial Site
Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., is the United States’ most prominent military cemetery and the chosen burial location for President John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The cemetery spans hundreds of acres and hosts thousands of interments each year, including service members, veterans, and eligible family members. For Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, her burial beside JFK represents both a personal choice and an alignment with his original wishes following the November 1963 assassination.
Section 30 And Grave 4582 Details
Within Arlington National Cemetery, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is interred in Section 30, Grave 4582. This specific location places her adjacent to the gravesite of John F. Kennedy, who was laid to rest there in 1963. The site is maintained by the Department of the Army and is part of the cemetery’s designated burial zones for eligible family members of distinguished service members and presidents. The proximity to JFK’s grave reflects both familial bond and historical continuity at the site.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia | Official cemetery records and National Park Service |
| Section | Section 30 | Arlington National Cemetery burial database |
| Grave Number | Grave 4582 | Arlington National Cemetery interment records |
| Buried With Proximity | Adjacent to John F. Kennedy gravesite | Historical burial maps and documentation |
| Date of Interment | October 1964 (reinterment from Massachusetts) | New York Times archives and Arlington records |
Original Burial And Later Reinterment
Initially, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was laid to rest in November 1963 at Arlington National Cemetery following the assassination of President Kennedy, but she was later reinterred in October 1964. Her original temporary gravesite was near JFK’s plot, and the decision to move her reflected both family planning and cemetery regulations regarding permanence. The reinterment ensured a more permanent and respectful resting place alongside her husband, aligning with her wishes for final burial privacy and stability.
Adjacent Family Graves
Several family members are buried near Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis at Arlington, creating a small private family plot within the larger cemetery grounds. These include her son Patrick Bouvier Kennedy, who died shortly after birth in 1963, and infant daughter Arabella, whose remains were relocated to join their parents. Understanding these adjacent graves provides context for the family’s shared resting place and the broader memorial landscape at Arlington.
- John F. Kennedy (President, buried 1963)
- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (buried 1964 reinterment)
- Patrick Bouvier Kennedy (infant son, buried 1963, later moved)
- Arabella (stillborn daughter, buried near parents)
Arlington National Cemetery Requirements And Restrictions
Arlington National Cemetery has specific eligibility requirements tied to military service, presidential status, or certain appointed roles. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis qualified primarily through her marriage to President John F. Kennedy and subsequent family connections. The cemetery limits permanent in-ground adornments and imposes rules on visitation, photography, and memorial objects to preserve the solemnity of the grounds. These regulations apply to all sections and ensure the site remains a place of reverence and remembrance.
Visitation And Memorial Etiquette
Visitors to Arlington National Cemetery, including the gravesite of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, are expected to observe respectful behavior. This includes maintaining quiet, staying on designated paths, and refraining from touching or leaning on headstones. The cemetery provides maps, informational kiosks, and guided tour options to help navigate the grounds. Seasonal considerations, such as summer heat and winter weather, also affect visiting conditions, so planning ahead enhances the experience.
Clarifying Misconceptions About Burial Location
Some speculation exists regarding alternative burial sites, including connections to Massachusetts or other private plots. However, official records confirm that Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is permanently interred at Arlington National Cemetery beside John F. Kennedy. While she maintained ties to New York and Massachusetts, her final resting place is Arlington, as documented by cemetery authorities and historical accounts. These verified facts counter rumors and clarify her enduring memorial location.
Legacy And Historical Context
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis remains a significant cultural figure, and her burial at Arlington reinforces her connection to one of the defining moments in American history. Her presence at the cemetery is both a personal family choice and a symbol of shared national memory. By understanding her burial location within the broader context of Arlington and the Kennedy legacy, visitors gain insight into how history is preserved in physical spaces.
Related topics such as the Eternal Flame, the design of headstones in Arlington, and protocols for presidential memorials deepen public understanding of cemetery practices. Continued interest in Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis ensures that her burial site remains a point of historical reflection and education for future generations.