Baton Rouge National Cemetery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Baton Rouge National Cemetery
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Cemetery entrance, c. 1899
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 Location in Baton Rouge
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| Location | 220 North 19th Street Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
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| Area | 7.7 acres (3.1 ha) |
| Built | 1867 |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| MPS | Civil War Era National Cemeteries MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 97000768 |
| Added to NRHP | July 09, 1997 |
The Baton Rouge National Cemetery is a special place in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where many brave soldiers and important people are buried. It's a United States National Cemetery, which means it's a national landmark for honoring those who served the country. The cemetery covers about 7.7 acres and has over 5,000 burials. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997 because of its important history.
Contents
A Look Back: History of the Cemetery
People started burying loved ones here as early as 1830. However, this site was mostly used during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Soldiers who died in Baton Rouge and nearby battlefields were buried here.
The cemetery officially became a National Cemetery in 1867. After this, rewards were given to anyone who found the grave of a Union soldier. This was so their remains could be moved and properly buried in the cemetery. The first person in charge, called the superintendent, was Henry W. Taylor. He was a former soldier himself.
Building the Cemetery Wall
In 1878, two men named Michael and Bernard Jodd were hired to build a brick wall around the cemetery. Before this, it only had a wooden fence. Sadly, both men became sick and passed away in September 1878. They were also buried in the cemetery. Local workers then finished building the wall. In 1936, the wall was covered with stucco. The main entrance on North 19th Street has a strong double iron gate that was built in 1933.
Remembering Soldiers: The Massachusetts Monument
Inside the cemetery, there is a special monument. It was put there in 1909 by the state of Massachusetts. This monument honors the soldiers from Massachusetts who lost their lives during the Civil War. It specifically remembers officers from the 31st and 41st Infantry regiments.
Important People Buried Here
Many notable people are buried at the Baton Rouge National Cemetery. Here are a few:
- General Philemon Thomas (1763–1847): His remains were moved to the cemetery in 1886. He was a soldier in both the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. He also led the forces that captured the fort of Baton Rouge in 1810. Later, he served as a Congressional Representative for Louisiana.
- Lieutenant General Troy Houston Middleton (1889–1976): He was a hero from World War II. After his military career, he became the president of Louisiana State University.
- Aden and Emma King: Aden King was the superintendent of the cemetery from 1920 to 1924. When he passed away while serving, his wife Emma was appointed to take his place.
- Levi S. Porter: He also served as a superintendent of the cemetery from 1932 to 1934.
Images for kids
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Massachusetts Monument by John Wilson
See also
In Spanish: Cementerio nacional de Baton Rouge para niños
