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

Discovering History | A Road Trip to the MacArthur Memorial

by a.d. elliott | Take the Back Roads – Art & Other Odd Adventures

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, as well as 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 numerous honors during his military career, which spanned several decades, including 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.

"The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who 

must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war."

- General Douglas MacArthur

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.

"The best of all luck is the luck you make yourself."

-General Douglas MacArthur

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.

"Only those are fit to live who are not afraid to die."

- General Douglas MacArthur

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, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Additionally, there is a fantastic gift shop that sells books about General MacArthur and other kitsch items, and you can even grab a pair of the 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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