The graves of 47 Confederate veterans who died during the Civil War, many of whom are unknown, and a substantial number of John Hunt Morgan's 2nd Kentucky Cavalry who twice raided the town of Cynthiana during the War, were transferred from another cemetery to encircle the monument.

David M. Snyder died in 1896, and per his wishes to be buried with his companions, was placed as part of the circle.

Colonel W. C. P. Breckinridge gave the dedication speech, highlighting the virtue of the Confederate cause and the bravery of its soldiers.

[5] Soon thereafter, his cousin's wife, Mary Cyrene Burch Breckinridge, founded the Ladies Memorial and Monument Association of Lexington.

This group raised the funds to create and install the Ladies' Confederate Memorial in the Lexington Cemetery.