Lexington National Cemetery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Lexington National Cemetery
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| Location | Lexington, Kentucky |
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| Built | 1868 |
| MPS | Civil War Era National Cemeteries MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 98001135 |
| Added to NRHP | September 3, 1998 |
The Lexington National Cemetery is a special burial ground located in Lexington, Kentucky. It is one of many National Cemeteries across the country. These cemeteries are managed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and serve as final resting places for military veterans and their families.
This cemetery is quite small, covering less than 4,050 square meters (about one acre). As of 2014, around 1,700 people were buried there. Today, the Lexington National Cemetery is closed, meaning no new burials are taking place.
History of Lexington National Cemetery
The story of Lexington National Cemetery began during the American Civil War. It was originally a part of the larger Lexington Cemetery. In 1861, this section started being used to bury soldiers who died during the war.
After the Civil War ended, many soldiers were buried in temporary graves on battlefields. To honor these brave individuals, their remains were carefully moved to places like Lexington. In 1863, this specific area was officially named a National Cemetery. A few years later, in 1867, the government bought more land to make the cemetery its current size.
The Lexington National Cemetery is an important historical site. In 1998, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized for its historical importance and is protected.
