Confederate Soldiers Section - Lynchburg, VA

10.17.07 - We toured the city of Lynchburg, VA today. Visited the very interesting Old City Cemetery there. It was established in 1806; is one of the oldest public cemeteries in the US that has been continuous since it's founding; has more than 20,000 people buried here--most before 1925. This is the Confederate Soldiers Section containing over 2200 soldiers from 14 states. Informational tablets at the entrance explain Lynchburg's role as a hospital center during the Civil War, and a kiosk lists the names and locations of all those buried here! The stones are unmarked but a few have ground plaques, one of which I show at the end of this video.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Civil
• War
• Confederate
• Soldiers
• Cemetery

[Jwinnie225]

i was able to find the grave of my 3rd great grandfather. I felt honored and proud at the same time. A true experience for anyone who vivits there. Yes it is sad that the upkeep isnt the best but at the same time you are able to buy new headstones for your loved ones, family, or friends that are burried there. It moved me so much I have started researching my family history.

[MerryGoRnd]

How wonderful to find a family member! You should feel honored and proud! The upkeep of the cemetery is excellent, I just don't know why many soldiers graves aren't identified. That is interesting that it has moved you to research your family history. I hope you find lots of info! We all seek to know about our past relatives and where we came from.

[southernman517]

this is truly amazing thing to see but it just makes me sad that they aren't doing anything to replace the tombstones.

[MerryGoRnd]

I don't understand what you mean here. The tombstones are fine. Only a FEW have plaques at the bottom - on the ground separate from the tombstone itself - with identification on them. I don't know if they ever all had markers or if just those who paid for markers have them.

[southernman517]

oh i did not know that because every thing looks well cared for but it is just sad that a lot of them are not marked at all with anything. but like you said above it must be very humbling to be in a place like that.

[MerryGoRnd]

Yes, it certainly is.

[greivisangel]

You are in one of the best documented, oldest, and well kept cemeteries in the south. Most of those markers are weathered but cherished and not forgotten. All but some are on record.

[MerryGoRnd]

No, I am not from Lynchburg. Why do you ask?

[RiceKing80]

are you from lynchburg?

[MerryGoRnd]

you are welcome. I was touched by the place, too. It is humbling.