Salisbury in Rowan County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Unknown Soldiers Monument

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 2, 2010

1. Unknown Soldiers Monument Marker

Inscription. In 18 trenches, just south of this spot, rest the bodies of 11,700 soldiers of the United States Army, who perished during the years 1864 and 1865 while held by the Confederate Military Authorities as prisoners of war in a stockade near this place.

[ Right of Monument ]
“They died that their country might live.”

[ Left of Monument ]
“For our country ’tis a bliss to die.”

[ Rear of Monument ]
This monument was erected by Act of Congress approved March 3, 1873 to the memory of the unknown Union soldiers who died in the Confederate Prison at Salisbury, N.C.

Erected 1873.

Topics and series. This historical marker and monument is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the National Cemeteries series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 3, 1779.

Location. 35° 39.556′ N, 80° 28.492′ W. Marker is in Salisbury, North Carolina, in Rowan County. Marker is on Government Road when traveling south. Marker is located in Salisbury National Cemetery, at the end of Government Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Salisbury NC 28144, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Salisbury National Cemetery (here, next to this marker);

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Burial Trenches and Salisbury Prison (here, next to this marker); Maine (a few steps from this marker); Pennsylvania Monument (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Livingstone College (approx. 0.3 miles away); C.S. Military Prison (approx. 0.4 miles away); City of Salisbury (approx. half a mile away); Meroney’s Theatre (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salisbury.

More about this monument. The monument consists of a granite obelisk and base, 50 feet, 2 inches in height, with a base of 18 feet by 18 feet.

Right Side of Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 2, 2010

2. Right Side of Monument

Left Side of Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 2, 2010

3. Left Side of Monument

Rear of Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 2, 2010

4. Rear of Monument

Unknown Soldiers Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 2, 2010

5. Unknown Soldiers Monument

Marker in Salisbury National Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 2, 2010

6. Marker in Salisbury National Cemetery

The trenches where the Union soldiers are buried are located behind the monument.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 792 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 14, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.