Keokuk National Cemetery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Keokuk National Cemetery
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1701 J St. Keokuk, Iowa |
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| Area | 21.7 acres (8.8 ha) |
| Built | 1862 |
| Architect | Montgomery C. Meigs |
| Architectural style | Second Empire |
| MPS | Civil War Era National Cemeteries MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 97000528 |
| Added to NRHP | June 04, 1997 |
The Keokuk National Cemetery is a special place in Keokuk, Iowa. It is a United States National Cemetery, which means it's a burial ground for military veterans. This cemetery covers about 22.7 acres of land. As of 2021, more than 6,000 people have been buried here. The cemetery is managed by the Rock Island National Cemetery.
Contents
History of the Cemetery
The Keokuk National Cemetery was started during the American Civil War in 1862. It was created as a place to bury soldiers who died in the five military hospitals nearby. These hospitals cared for injured and sick soldiers. By the end of the Civil War, over 600 Union soldiers were buried here. Also, eight Confederate prisoners of war were laid to rest in the cemetery.
Over the years, more remains were moved to Keokuk National Cemetery. In 1908, when Fort Yates in North Dakota closed, the soldiers buried there were moved here. Later, in 1948, another military cemetery in Des Moines, Iowa, also had its remains moved to Keokuk. This helped keep all these brave soldiers in one honored place. In 1997, the Keokuk National Cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site.
Special Monuments
There are some important monuments at Keokuk National Cemetery. These monuments help us remember the soldiers buried there.
Unknown Soldiers Monument
The Unknown Soldiers monument was put up in 1912. It was built by the Women's Corps of Keokuk. This monument honors 48 soldiers whose names were not known. They were buried without their identities being discovered. The monument is a tall granite pillar. On top, there is a statue of a Union soldier standing quietly.
Bronze Wreath
The American War Dads and Auxiliaries of Iowa also placed a special bronze wreath here. This wreath is also dedicated to unknown soldiers. We don't know the exact date it was put in place.
Important People Buried Here
Many brave and important people are buried at Keokuk National Cemetery.
- Major General Samuel Ryan Curtis: He was an officer during the American Civil War. He led troops in important battles like the Battle of Pea Ridge and the Battle of Westport.
- Private First Class John F. Thorson: He received the Medal of Honor for his bravery. This is the highest military award in the United States. He earned it during World War II.
- One Royal Canadian Air Force Airman: There is also one grave for a Canadian airman. He was part of the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. This grave is cared for by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
