The Markers
In the soldiers’ lot, in rows nearest to the gate, are several markers to unknown Union soldiers. Not replaced in 1993, these markers are of the original “Civil War” type as specified in 1873.
Chicago Tribune, May 30, 1869
Each of these billowy mounds has its history, of battle, of strife, of breaking hearts and bitter tears. But saddest of all the sad are the unknown dead. Their history is summed up in the one word PATRIOTS. Far away, perhaps anxious hearts still mourn for those who will never return, all that is known of these is that they went to the war and were never heard of more. A lady wandered with mournful tread among the unknown bullocks yesterday, for under one of them, she could not tell which, was her brother. A Revolutionary soldier who fought at the birth of liberty, slept among those who died to preserve it. The remainder of the decoration will be told of tomorrow.
Chicago Tribune, May 31, 1872
GENERAL DECORATION.
Numerous kind donors, whose names have already been mentioned in the public prints, had furnished flowers in abundance. The cluster of graves of the unknown dead, which lie upon the eastward slope, not far from the main entrance, were decorated almost before the dew was off the grass. At the head of each little knoll, bearing the simple inscription, “soldier’s grave,” was a miniature flag, and upon it were laid the floral tributes.
