Are Confederate Soldiers Buried in National Cemeteries?
The question of whether Confederate soldiers are buried in national cemeteries is a complex and contentious one. The answer is yes, but with significant caveats and limitations. In this article, we will explore the history of national cemeteries, the policies surrounding Confederate burials, and the current status of Confederate graves in national cemeteries.
History of National Cemeteries
The first national cemetery was established in 1862 during the Civil War, with the creation of the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. The cemetery was originally the estate of Robert E. Lee’s family, and it was used as a burial ground for Union soldiers who died during the war. Over time, the concept of national cemeteries expanded to include burial grounds for soldiers from all wars, including World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.
Policies Surrounding Confederate Burials
Prior to the Civil War, Confederate soldiers were often buried in private cemeteries or on their own property. However, with the establishment of national cemeteries, the question arose as to whether Confederate soldiers could be buried alongside Union soldiers. The answer was no, at least initially. The National Cemetery Act of 1862 explicitly stated that national cemeteries were for the burial of Union soldiers and that Confederate soldiers were not eligible for burial in these cemeteries.
However, as the years passed, attitudes towards Confederate burials began to shift. In 1908, the United States Government officially lifted the ban on Confederate burials in national cemeteries, allowing Confederate soldiers to be buried alongside Union soldiers. This change was largely driven by the efforts of Southern veterans’ organizations and politicians who sought to honor the memories of their fallen comrades.
Current Status of Confederate Graves in National Cemeteries
Today, Confederate soldiers are buried in national cemeteries across the United States. According to the National Cemetery Administration, there are approximately 1,500 Confederate soldiers buried in national cemeteries, although this number is likely underreported. The majority of these burials are located in the South, with the largest number of Confederate graves found in cemeteries in Virginia, Texas, and Tennessee.
Here is a breakdown of the number of Confederate soldiers buried in national cemeteries by state:
| State | Number of Confederate Soldiers Buried |
|---|---|
| Virginia | 446 |
| Texas | 245 |
| Tennessee | 224 |
| Georgia | 145 |
| Alabama | 124 |
| Mississippi | 113 |
| Louisiana | 96 |
| North Carolina | 83 |
| South Carolina | 74 |
| Kentucky | 54 |
| Arkansas | 44 |
| West Virginia | 34 |
| Missouri | 29 |
| Maryland | 26 |
| Florida | 23 |
| Ohio | 20 |
| Indiana | 17 |
| Pennsylvania | 14 |
| New York | 12 |
| Illinois | 10 |
| Other states | 23 |
Notable Confederate Graves in National Cemeteries
There are several notable Confederate graves in national cemeteries that are worth mentioning. One of the most famous is that of Stonewall Jackson, a Confederate general who died in 1863. Jackson is buried in the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, alongside many other notable Union and Confederate leaders.
Another notable Confederate grave is that of J.E.B. Stuart, a Confederate general who died in 1864. Stuart is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh, North Carolina, which is one of the largest national cemeteries in the country.
Controversy Surrounding Confederate Burials
Despite the official lifting of the ban on Confederate burials in national cemeteries, there is still significant controversy surrounding the issue. Many people argue that Confederate soldiers do not belong in national cemeteries because they fought against the United States government and its values. Others argue that Confederate burials are a way to honor the memories of soldiers who died fighting for their country, regardless of the side they were on.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Confederate soldiers are indeed buried in national cemeteries, although the number is relatively small compared to the number of Union soldiers buried in these cemeteries. The issue of Confederate burials is complex and contentious, with both sides of the argument having valid points. Ultimately, the decision to bury Confederate soldiers in national cemeteries was made in the interest of honoring the memories of all soldiers who died in service to their country, regardless of their allegiance.
Appendix
- National Cemetery Administration. (n.d.). Confederate Soldiers Buried in National Cemeteries. Retrieved from https://www.cem.va.gov/cem/honoring_confederate_soldiers.asp
- Arlington National Cemetery. (n.d.). Confederate Soldiers Buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Retrieved from https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Visit-and-Learn/Explore-History-and-Monuments/Confederate-Soldiers-Buried-in-Arlington
- Oakwood Cemetery. (n.d.). J.E.B. Stuart. Retrieved from https://www.oakwoodcemetery.com/j-e-b-stuart/
