poplar grove national cemetery

While walking around this cemetery it is very clear that there were major casualties on both sides of the war. There are some graves filled with hundreds of bodies. It is just so sad. I strongly recommend this location because it is a moment when both sides can come together and recognize all the loss of the war. The graves are mostly divided by state, however there are graves where they didn't know so they just put men in the mass graves. So very sad yet definitely worth the stop.

This is not your average cemetery. The site is quite and covered in trees. The stones are filled with the names of dates of men who fell in the prime years of their lives from disease, combat, accidents, starvation and lack of medical attention. The list goes on and on. The other compelling piece is that it appears that over half of those resting here, are unknown. They were not identified and that means some family or loved one never had positive confirmation or any idea of where their loved ones lay. Think of that and put yourself in those shoes today. Would you write a letter of complaint to your Congressman? Not exactly an option back then. Would you have any evidence other then personal reports as to what occurred? Probably not. When you put it into these dimensions, one could sit by some of the nameless stones and really not only appreciate what they have, but thank those for allowing us to prosper and survive as a nation. Its an awesome contribution for those who would have never guessed so much meaning would be attached to their sacrifices, on both sides.Do yourself a favor, pay it a visit, bring lunch and a pad to jot down some of your thoughts to stow away for those times where you feel your own issues are getting the better of you. They can still help you today.Happy travels.

Do stop on your Petersburg tour at this historic site. Even if it is to see if you can find a soldier from your state that might be there. It is tranquil and lovely.

This cemetery does not get a lot of visitors - many have never heard of it but there are thousands of casualties from the civil war buried here...mostly from the NORTH<<<. Allow about an hour to stroll about. If the ranger is there, she is very friendly and knowledgable!

The cemetary is just an ordinary cemetary with civil war soldiers buried there and even older graves. The place just simply lacks maintenance.

I went there for a lighting ceremony. The park guides were very informative. They gave stories of the Civil War Veterans and Native Americans who were buried there.