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Discovering History: My Road Trip to the MacArthur Memorial, in Norfolk, Virginia

A photograph of the MacArthur Memorial building in Norfolk, Virginia, with tall white columns, trees framing the view, and a statue of General Douglas MacArthur standing before the entrance. Overlaid dark blue circle text reads “A Trip to the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, Virginia,” with the Take the Back Roads logo in the corner.

Dear Henry

During our time in Norfolk, Virginia, we visited the incredible MacArthur Memorial. This site also serves as the final resting place for General Douglas MacArthur, a larger-than-life figure in American military history, along with his wife, Jean (Faircloth) MacArthur. So, who exactly was General MacArthur, and what led him to select Norfolk as the location for his memorial and burial?

General Douglas MacArthur was a legendary figure in the United States Army. He had a significant impact in the Pacific Theater during World War II, especially in the Philippines, and during the Korean War. He was recognized for his daring (and occasionally contentious) tactics and his over-the-top character. He received many honors during his military career, which lasted several decades, and included the Congressional Medal of Honor. He was also relieved of his command by President Harry S Truman during the Korean War. General MacArthur will always be a controversial figure. However, his contributions were essential to the end of World War II in the Pacific, and we can all celebrate that.

A beige background with a dark blue circle displaying the quote “The soldier about all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” attributed to General Douglas MacArthur, in graceful white script with the Take the Back Roads logo in the corner.

Most people are surprised that the MacArthur Memorial is in Norfolk; However, MacArthur had a connection to the City. It was where his mother, Mary Pinkey Hardy MacArthur, was born and the site of the family's ancestral home, Riveredge. His older brother, Malcom, who passed away from measles at the age of four, is also buried in the city, and the family frequently visited. General MacArthur loved the time he spent in Norfolk during his youth. In 1951, when General MacArthur and his family visited to dedicate a memorial park established on the grounds of Riveredge (the wall encircling the park is constructed from bricks of the original structure), he decided that Norfolk would be his final resting place. In 1960, Norfolk Mayor Fred Duckworth suggested that General MacArthur establish a museum and repository for the General's books, writings, and other artifacts. General MacArthur consented, on the condition that the building would also function as a mausoleum for him and his wife. The memorial opened in April 1964 in the Old City Hall.

A beige background with a dark blue circular design containing the quote “The best luck of all is the luck you make yourself.” attributed to General Douglas MacArthur, in white cursive lettering with the Take the Back Roads logo in the lower corner.

Let's take a moment to discuss Jean MacArthur. A significant portion of what you see in the museum (more than two million documents, 86,000 photographs, and 250 films) is there thanks to her dedication to collecting and preserving it. And she did this while facing danger. Jean and her son were alongside General MacArthur in Manila during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, and they were evacuated first to the Malinta Tunnels of Corregidor, then by PT boat and, finally, by B-17 to Brisbane, Australia. The pair stayed in Australia only until Manila was liberated, after which they rejoined the General. Jean transported various items and personal documents throughout the Philippines, Australia, Japan, and Korea, finally returning to the US in 1951. The historian and archivist in me really applauds what she has done.

A beige background with a dark blue circle featuring the quote “Only those are fit to live who are not afraid to die.” attributed to General Douglas MacArthur, written in elegant white cursive script with the Take the Back Roads logo in the corner.

This is an interesting place to visit, as General MacArthur was a truly distinctive figure in American history. The memorabilia on display showcases a type of "Americana" that has vanished. The Memorial is free to enter and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Additionally, there is a fantastic gift shop that sells books about General MacArthur and other kitsch, and you can even grab a pair of General's aviator glasses or a signature corn cob pipe.

xoxo a.d. elliott

PS. You can check out my YouTube Video of the MacArthur Memorial here: https://youtu.be/yJrdGv9Eghs?si=qSymUeXIis7_aP6p


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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia. 

In addition to her travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

Her online photography gallery can be found at shop.takethebackroads.com

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Location: 198 Bank St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA

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