Visiting a national cemetery is a chance to walk among headstones that chronicle American history, an opportunity to remember and honor the nation’s war heroes and a place to say a last farewell to family and friends. National cemeteries in the United States were introduced during the Civil War, near the battlefields, military hospitals and campgrounds of the war. In 1862, legislation was signed authorizing the federal government to purchase ground for use as national cemeteries “for soldiers who shall have died in the service of the country.” Up until then, the dead were hastily buried in fields, churchyards, or close to the hospitals or prison camps where they died. Today, there are 141 national cemeteries in all. Eagle Point National Cemetery is one of three National Cemeteries in the state of Oregon.
Where: 2763 Riley Rd., Eagle Point (google map)
More Info: 541-826-2511 | Cem.Va.gov
Next Up: #78 – Scenic Route from Eagle Point to Mt. McLoughlin