Rosehill Cemetery

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5800 N Ravenswood Ave Chicago, Illinois

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About

Rosehill Cemetery – Chicago, Illinois Rosehill Cemetery, established in 1859, stands as Chicago’s largest and oldest cemetery, a sprawling 350-acre garden setting that serves as a profound historical repository.

Located within Chicago, Illinois, the cemetery offers a unique experience, blending architectural beauty with poignant remembrance.

Rosehill is a significant landmark offering access to the graves of numerous prominent figures, including fourteen Union generals, six drummer boys, and hundreds of Civil War soldiers.

The cemetery’s origins trace back to its purpose as a Union Civil War training camp and prison established in Springfield, Illinois, around two thousand Confederate soldiers.

Significant figures buried here include President Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary, and Stephen Arnold Douglas.

Rosehill’s location at the site of the Rock Island Arsenal Museum and Rock Island Arsenal is also notable, adding to its multifaceted historical context.

Beyond its Civil War connections, Rosehill is recognized for its distinctive architectural features.

The cemetery boasts stained glass, mosaic floors, and a prominent oak-roofed chapel, showcasing Victorian-era design elements.

It’s a place where the grandeur of the past is beautifully preserved.

The Rosehill Cemetery Administration Building and Entry Gate is a recognized National Historic Place.

The cemetery’s evolution includes a pivotal shift in 1864 when the federal government designated a plot near the General Hospital as a national cemetery.

It’s notable for being the final resting place of Springfield’s 117-foot-tall tomb, the Lincoln Tomb, and the final resting place of President Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary, and numerous Union soldiers.

Rosehill’s expansion through the sale of plots from 1859 onwards, including the establishment of the Com memorialments from the City Cemetery and the Rose Hill train station, demonstrates its integral role in Chicago’s growth.

The cemetery serves a diverse community with sections dedicated to various faiths.

Further resources regarding Rosehill Cemetery can be found through the Rosehill Cemetery website: [https://www.battlefields.org/visit/heritage-sites/rosehill-cemetery-and-civil-war-museum](https://www.battlefields.org/visit/heritage-sites/rosehill-cemetery-and-civil-war-museum) A YouTube video provides additional information about the cemetery, including details of the monument's construction and dedication: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk8ZZxvJum8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk8ZZxvJum8)

History

Rosehill Cemetery – Chicago, Illinois: A Historical Overview Rosehill Cemetery, established in 1859, is Chicago’s largest and oldest cemetery, spanning 350 acres and serving as a significant historical landmark.

The cemetery’s history begins with William Boyington, the architect of the Chicago Water Tower, and its design reflects a blend of architectural styles, including distinctive monuments and memorial features.

Originally established as a burial ground, the cemetery grew substantially through the sale of plots, beginning in 1859, and included the establishment of the Com memorialments from the City Cemetery and the Rose Hill train station.

The Rosehill Cemetery Administration Building and Entry Gate are recognized as a National Historic Place.

Throughout its history, Rosehill has been a repository for the remains of notable Chicagoans and military figures.

It’s particularly known for the burial of fourteen Union generals, six drummer boys, and hundreds of Civil War soldiers.

Notably, the cemetery contains monuments honoring members of the Chicago Light Artillery and the historic Chicago Water Tower.

The cemetery’s evolution reflects the city’s growth and changing demographics.

It continues to be a place of remembrance and historical significance, offering a diverse range of memorials and honoring individuals from various backgrounds and faiths.

Further details can be found on the Rosehill Cemetery website: [https://www.battlefields.org/visit/heritage-sites/rosehill-cemetery-and-civil-war-museum](https://www.battlefields.org/visit/heritage-sites/rosehill-cemetery-and-civil-war-museum)

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Cemetery Historical Landmark Military Historic

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