July cemetery post - Fort Scott National Cemetery

Fort Scott National Cemetery is one of  the 12 original United States National Cemeteries named by Abraham Lincoln on November 15, 1862.

A famous and unique gravestone 

Eugene Ware, noted Kansas poet, wrote under the pseudonym, Ironquill.  Some of his famous works include "The Washerwoman's Song" and "John Brown". 

The natural beauty of this boulder impressed him and one of his final requests was that it be used as his grave marker.

Three States by Eugene F. Ware

Of all the states, but three will live in story; 

Old Massachusetts with her Plymouth Rock, 

And old Virginia with her noble stock, 

And Sunny Kansas with her woes and glory; 

These three will live in song and oratory, 

While all the others, with their idle claims, 

Will only be remembered as mere names.

There are gravestones from soldiers who fought in the civil war.

Many are unknown

The remains of 16 Native American soldiers, all privates of the Indian Regiment of the Union Army and were invaluable scouts, are interred here.

If I had been born an Indian, I wonder what my name would be???!!



The 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry was the first African American regiment to join the United States Army during the Civil War.  They were posted at Fort Scott in 1863 and took part in 5 engagements.  They suffered more casualties than any other Kansas regiment.

Soldiers who were confederates are buried at a diagonal to the Union graves because they were at crossed purposes to the Union.

Soldiers from different states who never were returned to their families

wives buried with husbands;

their names printed on the back side of the stone

Children -

Soldiers from the various other wars

 

and those who fought in several wars

This cemetery is worth going to!

Many thanks to all who have fought for our freedoms in this country!