Where Are the Confederates Buried at Gettysburg: An Overview

The Battle of Gettysburg, a pivotal conflict during the American Civil War, resulted in the burial of numerous Confederate soldiers who lost their lives in the struggle. The fate of these soldiers and their final resting places have fascinated historians and visitors for over a century. This article delves into the locations and stories surrounding the burial of Confederate soldiers at Gettysburg, providing a comprehensive overview of their resting places and the historical context.

The Confederate Cemetery

The Confederate Cemetery in Gettysburg is the primary burial ground for Confederate soldiers who died during the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. This cemetery provides a somber and reflective space for both visitors and families to pay their respects. Established specifically for the burials of Confederate soldiers, the cemetery is located near the Gettysburg National Cemetery and serves as an important historical site.

The most notable feature of the Confederate Cemetery is the Confederate Memorial which was dedicated in 1884. This monument honors the fallen soldiers and has become a focal point for remembrance. Many of the Confederate dead were initially buried in mass graves on the battlefield, but their remains were later reinterred in this cemetery. The memorial serves as a tangible link to the past, allowing visitors to connect with the sacrifices made by the Confederate soldiers.

Additional Burial Sites

While many Confederate soldiers are buried in the Confederate Cemetery, other soldiers were interred in local cemeteries or returned to their home states for burial. This process was often managed by local physicians and other individuals involved in post-battle care.

SG Elliott, a Virginia-born physician who practiced in Gettysburg, played a significant role in surveying and recording the burial locations of soldiers. His 1872 burial map, while detailed and revealing of battle hotspots, only shows the known locations of Confederate soldiers buried on the battlefield. Interestingly, a few Confederate soldiers were misidentified as Union soldiers at the time of burial, leading to some confusion and historical discrepancies. It is probable that there are still unmarked and unknown Union and Confederate graves at Gettysburg, although no plans exist to excavate the battlefield in search of these graves.

The Fate of Confederate Graves

In the aftermath of the battle, Confederate soldiers who were initially buried in mass graves were often reinterred in the Confederate Cemetery. However, in later years, many of these soldiers were again moved to graves in the southern states from which they originated. This complex process of reburial not only involved transportation but also the handling of relatives and military officials who were responsible for coordinating these efforts.

Due to the extensive and chaotic nature of the battle, it was logistically impossible to account for every soldier, leading to the possibility that numerous unmarked and unknown graves still exist on the Gettysburg battlefield. The entire battlefield is considered hallowed ground, and any further excavation would likely be met with stringent historical and preservation considerations.

For visitors to Gettysburg today, the history of the battlefield burials is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the Civil War. Exploring the Confederate Cemetery, reading SG Elliott's burial map, and understanding the processes and challenges surrounding the reburial of soldiers provide a deeper appreciation for the significance of this site and the enduring legacy of the Battle of Gettysburg.