Portsmouth, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Roll of Honor
1758 - 1849
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, April 10, 2026
1. Roll of Honor Marker
After the Federals established the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1862, the Confederates, also seeking to stimulate morale and performance, authorized awards for those men cited in Official Reports. Because of the lack of metals and dies, the Confederate Congress on Oct 13, 1862 authorized the "Roll of Honor" instead of the award of medals.
Anyone who was "conspicuous for courage and good conduct on the field of battle", would have his name inscribed on the "Roll". In order to be eligible for this high honor the men of the regiment had to also vote approval. Those so honored would have their names read at the next dress parade, published in at least one newspaper in each state, and filed in the offices of the Adjutant and Inspector Generals.
The Stonewall Camp, SCV designed the emblem shown on the headstone of Major McAlpine to designate those heroes in this cemetery and Oak Grove cemetery who performed above and beyond the call of duty and received, "The Highest of Confederate Honors".
Major McAlpine was cited for conspicuous gallantry on six separate occasions during the War Between the States.
Erected 2008
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Sons of Confederate Veterans/United Confederate Veterans series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.
Location. 36° 50.336′ N, 76° 18.463′ W. Marker is in Portsmouth, Virginia. It can be reached from Fort Lane close to Holladay Street, on the right when traveling north. The Marker is located in Cedar Grove Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 Fort Lane, Portsmouth VA 23704, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Hampton Roads, specifically in Coastal Virginia, and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Tidewater. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, April 10, 2026
2. Roll of Honor Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Charles R. McAlpine, M.D. (here, next to this marker); Funerary Art (a few steps from this marker); The Portsmouth Cedar Grove Cemetery (a few steps from this marker); The Sisters of Mercy (a few steps from this marker); Chaplain Vernon Eskridge (a few steps from this marker); Fannie Murdaugh Downing (within shouting distance of this marker); Captain William H. Murdaugh (within shouting distance of this marker); John Luke Porter (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portsmouth.
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, April 10, 2026
3. Roll of Honor Marker
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, April 10, 2026
4. Roll of Honor funerary token
Placed on the grave of the valiant Dr. Charles McAlpine.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 14, 2026, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 14, 2026, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
