Volunteers clean the headstone of Civil War Veteran James Cross in Manitowoc, September 21, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Work continues along the Lakeshore to clean the gravesites of hundreds of Civil War veterans at Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc.
The group’s mission is to save the graves of those who served in the Civil War.
“Manitowoc contributed over 2,600 soldiers to the Civil War effort. Two hundred of those gave their lives,” said Dennis Moore, Manitowoc County Civil War Round Table vice president.
Moore says Evergreen Cemetery’s war history begins at one monument.
“This area here, was donated to the Grand Army of the Republic, which was the first veterans of the Civil War. It was donated by the city in 1886, and it was specifically for veterans that could not afford a proper burial,” he said.
Over time, veterans were buried throughout the cemetery. Jerry Neuser says those stones are showing their age.
“Years ago, they used limestone. And these gravestones, they become unreadable and they get toned and stained. And our job is going to be to try to restore them the very best we can,” said Neuser, Manitowoc County Civil War Round Table president.
Armed with soap, water and soft brushes, about 150 monuments and gravesites are on the Saturday morning cleaning schedule. Ryan Brahmstadt says volunteers are needed.
“There’s always more gravesites to clean. In previous years, we’ve started at one guy, and realized, wait a minute, that’s his wife. That’s his son. That’s his daughter. That’s his mom. That’s his dad. So we end up cleaning those as well,” said Brahmstadt, Gravesite Project organizer.
And after a few minutes, the stone belonging to Army Pvt. James Cross is starting to show progress.
“That looks a lot nicer,” said one volunteer.
Dennis Moore agrees. “We don’t want them forgotten. It’s very important that with this war, or any war, that we keep the memory of the soldiers alive, to remember our heritage,” he said.
Volunteers are asked to meet at 9 a.m., in Section “B” of Evergreen Cemetery.
Cleaning supplies will be provided.
For more information, email SaveTheVeteransDan@outlook.com.
The Manitowoc County Historical Society is hosting a Civil War Remembered event on Sept. 22 and Sept. 23. Click here for more information.
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