Alexandria National Cemetery
In spring 1863, the Confederates moved this base north Shreveport, just before a U.S. Army-Navy operation captured Alexandria on May 7. Union forces abandoned the city by summer
In spring 1864, Alexandria became the target of Union Gen. Nathaniel Banks' Red River Campaign. In March, a combined land and sea operation captured Fort DeRussy, downriver from the city, and the Union reoccupied the city.
Banks marched west where he was defeated by Confederate troops under Gen. Richard Taylor. He then retreated to Alexandria on April 9, where low river levels trapped the naval fleet. Troops constructed a dam to raise the water level and the gunboats escaped. The Union Army withdrew from Alexandria May 13, burning part of the city as they departed.
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By 1880, a brick wall surrounded the cemetery. A brick Second Empire-style lodge housed the superintendent and his family. Large artillery pieces flanked the cemetery entrance. Trees planted along the road created a shady avenue from the main gate to the flagstaff at the center of the cemetery. In 1931, the old lodge was razed and the current one was constructed.
In 1909, a contractor, using local labor,
Erected by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Military • War, Mexican-American • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the National Cemeteries series list.
Location. 31° 19.336′ N, 92° 25.937′ W. Marker is in Pineville, Louisiana, in Rapides Parish. It can be reached from East Shamrock Street (Business U.S. 165) near Main Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 209 East Shamrock Street, Pineville LA 71360, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Louisiana and in Acadiana — Cajun Country. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Address by President Lincoln (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Alexandria National Cemetery (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 800 Block Main Street (about 500 feet away); 835 Main Street (about 600 feet away); City of Pineville (about 700 feet away); Intersection of Shamrock and Main Streets (about 700 feet away); Main Street (about 700 feet away); First Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pineville.
More about this marker. Located at the Flagpole Circle, inside the cemetery.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 28, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2019, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 403 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 2, 2019.
