But as you leave Fredericksburg through the one way system, you drive right past it. Stop and look around, its very moving, as you wonder about the futility of the American Civil War.
This small Cemetery is kept up by the Ladies Memorial Association with private donations and a small amount from municipal funds unlike many veteran cemeteries. They do a very good job considering what they have to work with. The local United Daughters of The Confederacy and the Local Sons of Confederate Veterans groups always make sure these graves are decorated on Memorial Day and Christmas. There are some really famous people from American history buried here as well. Fredericksburg in general tends to shun their Confederate history as much as possible for some unknown reason, but this cemetery and the associated groups try their best to keep this part of the history alive for visitors.
the war between the states was wholesale slaughter on both sides as dated tactics encountered modern weapons and many died uselessly, disease killed even more due to poor sanitary conditions and inadequate food supplies
The Confederate cemetery is easily accessible in historic Fredericksburg and can be visited easily on the way to or from other sites. It is well maintained and provides a good reminder of the costs of that war. History buffs and students of the civil war will not want to miss then when in Fredericksburg.
I recently did a photo shoot in this cemetery. It was so tranquil and serene waking up with the music of the past. It was cold but as the sun came up and the beauty of the headstones you only felt respect and admiration for those who fought for us.
If you are into cemeteries, or the confederacy, or history in general, you will enjoy this place. Incredible amount of history, and a fantastic central monument. I personally like the history of cemeteries, as well as the sculptural beauty you can find in the stones. This did not disappoint. I was happy to see that this was a well-tended cemetery, and that there were many visitors, too. Note that Fredericksburg also has a great Masonic cemetery next to the Monroe museum, and a private cemetery of the Gordon family next to Mary Washington's monument.
Confederate Cemetary shares space with the Fredericksburg Cemetary, with the Confederate Cemetary on one side. Its sad yet peaceful, well worth a quiet walk through the grounds
The annual tour of the Fredericksburg, Virginia Confederate Cemetery is the 24th of May from 1830 until 2000. There is no cost and the tour guide is very knowledgeable about the distinguished Americans who are buried here including Generals and many regular soldiers who fought against the invaders of the free, independent and peaceful nation of the Confederate States of America.
It is such a piece of US history; it shouldn't be missed. I think anyone will come away with a sense of the loss of the young soldiers - I lost count of how many 17 year olds were buried there.
Very sad to walk though the cemetery knowing how many families were effected by the Civil War deaths. Reality is the cemetery is in need of repairs and maintenance. I think it should be part of the National Park Service