Welcome to the Confederate Cemetery Historical Marker in Lewisburg, West Virginia, a site that whispers stories of the past, echoing the tumultuous era of the American Civil War. This marker commemorates a common grave where 95 Confederate soldiers were laid to rest, casualties of the regional battles that swept through this area, including the Battle of Droop Mountain and the Battle of Lewisburg. Established in 1963 by the West Virginia Historic Commission, the marker stands as a reminder of the war’s harsh realities and the lives it claimed.
During the Civil War, Lewisburg found itself caught in the crossfire, its sympathies leaning heavily towards the Confederacy. The town became a strategic location due to its position in the Greenbrier Valley, a region rich in resources like salt, crucial for the Confederate war effort. As armies from both sides moved through the area, Lewisburg transformed into a makeshift hospital, with public buildings overflowing with wounded soldiers. The Old Stone Church, a key landmark in Lewisburg, converted its aisles into rows of cots for the injured.
The Battle of Lewisburg, fought on May 23, 1862, brought war to the streets of this small town. Despite the Confederate defeat, the stories of bravery and sacrifice endured, passed down through generations. Rose W. Fry, a chronicler of local history, wrote vividly about the town’s transformation during the war, painting a picture of communal resilience amidst adversity.
Today, as you stand near the Confederate Cemetery Historical Marker, imagine the sacrifices made by those young soldiers who never returned home. Their stories are part of the broader narrative of the Civil War, a conflict that shaped the nation. The marker is not just a reminder of the past but a call to reflect on the lessons learned from history, ensuring that the sacrifices made for unity and freedom are never forgotten.
