Photo by B. White, Copyright © 1997,1998

The Quitman Confederate Memorial Cemetery is located approximately one mile south of downtown Quitman, MS off US Highway 45. Soldiers interred there were probably mainly from Confederate units of Texas, although some were from other states, including MS, AL, GA, AR, LA, and TN. The soldiers died at the Texas Hospital, built in 1862, which was located near the cemetery at Archusa Springs. Along the front of the cemetery, several concrete markers were placed, each one inscribed with information about the memorial. I selected three for posting to this site:

"On Feb 17, 1864, Quitman was burned by Sherman forces, destroying trestles, bridges, businesses, homes, courthouse, farm animals, also the Texas Hospital, forcing hardship and misery upon the people."

"Civil War ends at 4:00 PM Appomattox, Apr. 9, 1865. Pvt John J. Williams, 34th Ind. was the last Civil War soldier killed 13 May 1865 at Palmetto Ranch, TX."

"After neglect of 70 years, this cemetery was recognized as the place of burial for 300 Confederate soldiers. A lack of contributions, it lay in state until the Clarke Co. VFW Post 4982 made a commitment that it would be a memorial to those who died in pursuit of an idea that changed history and a way of life for us all."

A monument stands in front with the names, units, and dates of death of 65 soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Unfortunately, many more died at the hospital but we will only know them as the "Unknown Confederate Soldier" among the hundreds of markers in the cemetery.