Mound City, Illinois, an Ohio River town, derives its name from the Native American mounds located in the vicinity. This small town holds a significant piece of American history as the site of one of Illinois’ oldest national cemeteries. While the presence of such a large, historic cemetery might seem unusual for a town of its current size, its origins lie in Mound City’s bustling past as a major naval port.
During the Civil War, Mound City became a critical naval base for the Union. The town’s shipyard was a hub of activity, constructing and repairing numerous Union vessels, including some of the pioneering ironclad ships. Notably, the USS Cairo, USS Cincinnati, and USS Mound City were all built in this southern Illinois location. To care for the sailors and soldiers wounded in combat, a substantial naval hospital was also established.
In 1864, recognizing the ultimate sacrifice made by many, land near the hospital was dedicated as a national cemetery, providing a final resting place for those who died serving the nation. Today, little evidence remains of the once-thriving naval shipyards. A small building and the cemetery itself are the primary remnants of Mound City’s Civil War-era naval base.
A prominent feature within the cemetery is The Illinois State Soldiers and Sailors Monument, erected by the state in 1874. This monument stands in tribute to 2,637 unknown soldiers and sailors who perished during the Civil War, a solemn reminder of the many lives lost, as reflected in the numerous headstones simply marked “Unknown.”
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