Poplar Grove National Cemetery

In July 1862, Congress passed legislation giving the President of the United States the authority to purchase land for the establishment of cemeteries "for the soldiers who shall die in the service of their country."

During the Siege of Petersburg, Union soldiers who were killed in battle were hastily buried near where the fighting took place, some in single shallow pits, others in mass graves.

Some units, like the IX Corps, had small cemeteries near their filled hospitals for soldiers who died while in their care.

Colonel James Moore began his survey of the Petersburg area to locate land for a National Cemetery.

With the cemetery now established, work began to move approximately 5,000 Union soldiers from nearly 100 separate burial sites around Petersburg.

With ten army wagons, forty mules, and twelve saddle horses, these men began their search and recovery mission.

Places like Poplar Grove National Cemetery reflect the tragedy that befell the United States during the Civil War.