Rock Island Confederate Cemetary

Rock Island Confederate Cemetery

Welcome to the Rock Island Confederate Cemetery, a historic site located on Rodman Avenue in Rock Island, Illinois. This cemetery stands as a solemn tribute to the nearly 1,950 Confederate soldiers who perished during their imprisonment at the Rock Island Prison Camp during the Civil War. The cemetery is part of the Rock Island Arsenal, which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1969.

A Place of Remembrance and Reflection

The Rock Island Confederate Cemetery serves as a poignant reminder of a turbulent chapter in American history. During the Civil War, the federal government established a prison on Rock Island to alleviate overcrowding at other facilities in the Midwest. Over 12,000 Confederate prisoners passed through its gates, with many succumbing to disease and harsh conditions. The cemetery is the final resting place for those who died, primarily from smallpox and pneumonia.

Monuments and Memorials

Visitors to the cemetery will find a granite obelisk, dedicated by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 2003, at the entrance. This monument bears the inscription, “In Memory of the Confederate Veterans Who Died at the Rock Island Prison Camp. May They Never Be Forgotten…” Additionally, four 12-pound Confederate artillery monuments are located within the cemetery, further commemorating the soldiers who rest here.

Visitor Information

The Rock Island Confederate Cemetery is located just northwest of the Rock Island National Cemetery. It is accessible from Interstate 74, with clear directions provided for visitors arriving from various points. Please note that the cemetery does not have a staffed office on site, and visitors are encouraged to respect the solemnity of this historic site. Fresh cut flowers and small American flags may be placed on graves, following cemetery guidelines.

For those interested in learning more about this and other national cemeteries, the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program offer extensive resources online. The cemetery is part of a larger effort by the National Cemetery Administration to preserve the memory of veterans and educate the public about their service and sacrifice.

Honoring Our Veterans

Rock Island Confederate Cemetery is a national shrine dedicated to honoring the memory of those who served. Burial in this national cemetery is open to eligible veterans and their families, ensuring that their legacy endures for generations to come.

For more information about eligibility and burial arrangements, please contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office. We invite you to visit this historic site and reflect on the sacrifices made by so many in the pursuit of our nation's ideals.

Contact Information

Rock Island Confederate Cemetery

Rodman Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois 61299

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Closed on federal holidays, except Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

For assistance, please call: 1-800-535-1117

In Case of Crisis

If you are a veteran in crisis or experiencing thoughts of suicide, please visit VeteransCrisisLine.net for support and resources.