Leavenworth National Cemetery facts for kids
Entrance to Leavenworth National Cemetery
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| Details | |
|---|---|
| Established | 1886 |
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| Type | United States National Cemetery |
| Owned by | United States Department of Veteran Affairs |
| Size | 128.8 acres (52.1 ha) |
| No. of graves | >45,000 |
Leavenworth National Cemetery is a special burial ground in Leavenworth, Kansas. It's a place where brave soldiers and veterans from the United States are laid to rest. The cemetery covers about 128 acres of land. By the end of 2005, over 30,000 people had been buried there. Sometimes, local people call it the "Old Soldiers' Home."
Contents
A Look Back: History of the Cemetery
Before the cemetery was built, this land was part of a reservation for the Lenape (also known as Delaware) Native American tribe. In 1886, several buildings were finished, and the first person was buried here. During construction, the remains of twelve Native Americans were found. They were respectfully re-buried within the cemetery grounds.
Becoming a National Cemetery
This important burial ground officially became part of the national cemetery system in 1930. This means it is cared for by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. It is the final resting place for many heroes. Eight people buried here received the Medal of Honor. This is the highest award for bravery a soldier can get. Five of these heroes served during the American Civil War.
A Historic Landmark
In 1999, Leavenworth National Cemetery was recognized as a historic place. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This shows how important the cemetery is to the history of the United States. It is part of a larger area called the Dwight D. Eisenhower Medical Center Historic District.
Honoring Heroes: Notable Burials
Many brave individuals are buried at Leavenworth National Cemetery. These include Medal of Honor recipients and other important figures.
Medal of Honor Recipients
The Medal of Honor is given for extreme bravery in battle. Here are some of the heroes buried here:
- Private William W. Burritt (1831–1901): Honored for his actions during the American Civil War.
- Corporal Daniel A. Dorsey (1838–1918): Recognized for his bravery during the famous Great Locomotive Chase in the American Civil War.
- Sergeant John S. Durham (1843–1918): Received the medal for his actions at the Battle of Perryville during the American Civil War.
- Sergeant William Garrett (1820–1916): Honored for his service at the Battle of Nashville in the American Civil War.
- Private Musician John Gray (1836–1889): Recognized for his bravery at the Battle of Port Republic during the American Civil War.
- First Sergeant John H. Shingle (1840–1907): Awarded for his actions at the Battle of the Rosebud during the American Indian Wars.
- Lieutenant Colonel Charles C. Hagemeister (1946-2021): Received the medal for his service during the Vietnam War.
- Sergeant Robert McPhelan: Honored for his "Gallantry in Action" during the American Indian Wars (1876-1877).
Other Important People Buried Here
- Brigadier General Charles H. Barth (1858–1926): A high-ranking military officer.
- Ed Charles (1933–2018): A veteran of the Korean War and a professional Major League Baseball player.
- Arthur Guy Empey (1883–1963): A veteran of World War I, who also became a writer, film producer, and actor.
- Connie Johnson (1922–2004): A World War II veteran and a professional Major League Baseball player.
- Major General Charles Irving Martin (1871–1953): Another high-ranking military officer.
- Major James F. Gebhardt (1948-2021): A Vietnam War veteran, military author, and historian.
Special Memorials: Notable Monuments
The cemetery also features monuments that honor the service and sacrifice of soldiers.
- Soldiers Who Died For Their Country: A tall stone monument, shaped like an obelisk, was put up in 1919. It honors all soldiers who gave their lives for their country.
- U.S. 4th Marine Division Monument: In 2002, a special monument was dedicated to the U.S. 4th Marine Division. This division served bravely in many conflicts.
