More than four decades after the American Civil War concluded, the United States Congress took steps to ensure the dignified remembrance of Confederate soldiers. Recognizing the need for uniform markers, an act was passed on March 9, 1906, to authorize permanent headstones for Confederate graves within national cemeteries. This initiative aimed to honor the fallen, providing a respectful and consistent method of marking their final resting places.
Following the precedent set for Union soldiers, the legislation stipulated that Confederate headstones would be of the same size and material. However, in a distinct departure, the design was intentionally altered. Confederate headstones were designed with a pointed top, replacing the rounded top of Union markers, and the shield emblem was omitted. This subtle yet significant difference created a unique visual identity for Confederate graves within national cemeteries, while maintaining a standard of respect and uniformity in materials and size.
The provision for these uniform headstones was further broadened in 1929 when authorization was extended to Confederate graves located in private cemeteries. This expansion ensured that even soldiers buried outside of national cemeteries could receive a government-provided marker, further solidifying the commitment to honor all Confederate war dead with consistent and respectful grave markers.
In 1930, the War Department formalized the regulations for Confederate headstones. These regulations, implemented on May 26, 1930, included a notable addition: the authorization to inscribe the Confederate Cross of Honor within a small circle on the front of the headstone. Positioned above the standard inscription detailing the soldier’s name, rank, company, and regiment, the Cross of Honor added another layer of distinctiveness to these markers, publicly acknowledging and commemorating Confederate service.
For those researching the final resting places of Confederate ancestors, the Register of Confederate Soldiers, Sailors, and Citizens Who Died in Federal Prisons and Military Hospitals in the North, 1861–1865 (National Archives Microfilm Publication M918) serves as an invaluable resource. This register, completed in 1912, meticulously documents the known grave locations of deceased Confederate soldiers and sailors. Compiled to facilitate the marking of Confederate graves, it is organized alphabetically by the location of death, generally providing details such as name, rank, unit, date of death, and grave number. While some entries may have incomplete information, this register remains a crucial tool for genealogical research and historical inquiry. Researchers can access these microfilmed records at the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C., and various regional archives.
These original Confederate headstones stand as enduring symbols of remembrance, reflecting a historical effort to provide uniform and respectful markers for those who served in the Confederacy. They serve not only as individual memorials but also as collective historical markers within the landscape of American cemeteries. For deeper exploration into the history of government-furnished headstones and markers, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers comprehensive information at www.cem.va.gov.
