Keedysville in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
History of Fairview Cemetery
Settlement of Keedysville began in 1738 when the tract "Gordon's Purchase" was patented. In 1770 Jacob Hess became the 5th owner of Gordon's Purchase where he engaged in the grain milling business. In 1788 Hess's 19-year-old son Christian became the first burial on a hilltop plot convenient to the Hell Home.
Into the early 1800's, the Hes family cemetery became the resting place of various family members and associates of the Hess family. In 1854, the cemetery was deeded to Mount Vernon Reformed Church. The cemetery continued as a function of the Reformed Church until 172, when it was transferred to the newly formed Fairview Cemetery Association.
There was a sudden increase of more than 50% in burials, a disproportionate number of them children, during the eighteen months following the nearby battles in 1862. It provides a glimpse into the personal and lasting effect on local citizens of those events. The names and dates on the memorials in Fairview Cemetery tell the story of Keedysville. The story and history of the families who made the town and surrounding area.
Erected by Fairview Cemetery Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Colonial Era
this page online
Location. 39° 29.291′ N, 77° 42.135′ W. Marker is in Keedysville, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is on Shepherdstown Pike (Maryland Route 34) 0.3 miles north of Coffman Farms Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 19228 Shepherdstown Pike, Keedysville MD 21756, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hess’s Mill Bridge (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Brandenburg Field (approx. 0.2 miles away); Keedysville (approx. 0.2 miles away); Keedysville World War I Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Keedysville District World War II Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Keedysville Korea & Vietnam Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Pry’s Mill Bridge (approx. half a mile away); Hitt Bridge (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Keedysville.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 12, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 202 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 12, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
