Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Corporation Burying Ground
and other Fredericksburg Cemeteries
Fredericksburg encompasses many cemeteries, most of which are open to the public. Collectively they illustrate the broad patterns of history, including Colonial settlement, independence from Britain, the Civil War, the African-American experience, and foreign wars. The descriptions to the right briefly introduce these places. You are invited to explore them further.
Captions on the map detailing each cemetery:
Civil War Burials - During the period 1862 to 1864. Fredericksburg felt the impact of war, its streets became a battlefield, many of its buildings served as hospitals, open areas around them became burying grounds. After the war, some of these buried soldiers were retrieved by their families, but most most were moved to the National Cemetery.
Thornton - Forbes - Washington Cemetery - Burials in this family cemetery range from 1749 to 1909.
Masonic Lodge Cemetery - Associated with Masonic Lodge #4 AF&FM (Ancient Free & Accepted Masons), burials date from 1787 to 1908 and include General Weedon (Revolutionary War general), Benjamin Day (a major in the Revolution), and George Rows (pastor of Salem Church and the African Baptist Church). Also buried here is Willamsburg businesswoman Christina Campbell. In 1956, stones and remains from the cemetery of American Lodge #63 were re-interred along the back wall.
St. George's Cemetery - St. George's churchyard includes the graves of Colonel John Dandridge (George Washington's father-in-law) and William Paul (brother of John Paul Jones). Burials occurred between 1752 and 1920.
Veterans Memorial - Though not a cemetery this site recognizes local citizens who died in the service of their country. Many of these are buried in places far distant from Fredericksburg.
Potter's Field/Colored Cemetery - In 1815 the town council purchased land for a small cemetery that became known as Potter's Field, later the Colored Cemetery. In 1861 the local government set aside a strip of land in this vicinity to bury Confederate soldiers. In 1992, a plaque with their names was placed in the Confederate Cemetery.
National Cemetery - Following the Civil War, the federal government established this cemetery on Willis Hill. This ground includes the remains of more than 15,000 Union soldiers, over 12,000 of whom are unknown.
Willis Cemetery - This family cemetery, atop Marye's Heights, is enclosed by a brick wall that exhibits battle damage from the December 13, 1862 battle of Fredericksburg. Burials range from 1750 to 1860 and include descendants of Colonel Henry Willis, one of Fredericksburg's founders.
Fredericksburg Cemetery - Brick walls enclose this private cemetery, which opened in 1844 and is still in use today. The original sandstone gateway faces William Street. An early burial is Sidney Smith, killed at the battle of Chapultepec, during the War with Mexico.
Confederate Cemetery - Dedicated in 1870, this ground contains the bodies of more than a thousand Confederate soldiers, re-interred from battlefield graves. A handsome metal gateway faces Washington Avenue. Also buried here are remains of Lucy Ann Cox, who accompanied her soldier-husband when he marched with the 30th Virginia Infantry. Among these Confederates is Lieutenant Colonel Vorin E. Whan, Jr., U.S. Army, killed in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, in 1968.
Shiloh Cemetery - This cemetery in active use since 1882, is the burial ground for the Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site and New Site) and the Mount Zion Baptist Church. Burials include many former slaves, such as Joseph Walker, who worked tirelessly with Jason Grant (also buried there) to provide educational opportunities for children of African-American descent.
Mary Washington Monument and the Gordon Cemetery - The grave of Mary, mother of George Washington, is marked by an obelisk, adjacent to the Gordon Cemetery. Mrs. Washington was buried in 1789. Burials in the family cemetery date from 1799 to 1864. The Gordon family, residents of Kenmore after Fielding Lewis and Betty Washington Lewis were displaced by the Civil War.
Erected by the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1862.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 18.107′ N, 77° 27.773′ W. Marker was in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Marker was at the intersection of William Street and Prince Edward Street, on the right when traveling east on William Street. Markers are in the center of Hurkamp Park. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. From a Burying Ground to a Park (here, next to this marker); Fredericksburg Cemeteries and the Corporation Burying Ground (here, next to this marker); Fredericksburg Rescue Squad (within shouting distance of this marker); 1920 (within shouting distance of this marker); Fredericksburg Roll of Honor (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The James Monroe Law Office - Museum and Memorial Library (about 400 feet away); 1850 (about 400 feet away); A Memorial Landscape (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
More about this marker. A previous marker at this location, also entitled The Corporation Burying Ground, was replaced in 2008. A picture of the replaced marker is included on this page. This 2008 marker was, in turn, replaced by a new one named Fredericksburg Cemeteries and the Corporation Burying Ground (see nearby markers).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New Marker At This Location titled "Fredericksburg Cemeteries and the Corporation Burying Ground".
Also see . . . Historic Cemeteries in the Fredericksburg Area. (Submitted on December 14, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 14, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,685 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 14, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 5. submitted on December 15, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.