Monday, May 31, 2010

Fort Snelling National Cemetery

Fort Snelling Military Cemetery is very large and graves extend as far as the eye can see...in all directions.

"The Fort Snelling cemetery was established in 1870 to serve as a burial ground for the soldiers who died while stationed at the post. Following World War I, as new legislation expanded the eligibility requirements for burial in a national cemetery, the citizens of St. Paul organized a petition to designate a national cemetery in their area. In 1937, Congress responded with legislation that authorized a portion of land at Fort Snelling Military Reservation for this purpose. Fort Snelling National Cemetery was established in 1939 with the first burial on July 5, of Capt. George H. Mallon, whose acts of heroism at Meuse-Argonne in France were recognized with the Congressional Medal of Honor. Following the dedication of the new cemetery, arrangements were made for the exhumation of the remains of those buried at the older post cemetery and the reinterment of the 680 soldiers who served from 1820-1939 buried in Fort Snelling National Cemetery. The 1930s were also a major boom era for national cemetery growth. Ft. Snelling is one of a dozen or so very large cemeteries conceived between World War I and World War II to serve large veteran populations in some cities.

In May 1960, Fort Snelling Air Force Station transferred 146 acres of land to the national cemetery. One more land transfer of 177 acres followed in 1961, bringing the cemetery to its present size."

10 comments:

  1. Beautiful post for today!

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  2. Very interesting post. Reminiscent of Arlington......

    Jan
    GDP

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  3. Perfect post for today's holiday. When I was working for Wells Fargo, I had to travel to Minneapolis many times and always took the light rail into town. I remember stopping at Fort Snelling along the way.

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  4. tres beau post pour ce memorial day

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  5. The tree and the lines formed by the gravestones make this photo very interesting. Greetings from Mumbai.
    - Mindless Mumbai

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  6. A beautiful photo and a fine tribute to those who fought for the freedoms and liberties that we enjoy today. Freedom does not come without a price. My "Thanks" to all who served this great nation. Thank you for this photo.

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  7. Both of Lois Anne's parents are buried here. It is a beautiful cemetery!

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  8. Nice photo Kate. I followed the like you told me about and I filed a complaint with Google.

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  9. Beautiful shot Kate. I've always liked Fort Snelling. We came here often when I was young, but the last time I was there it was to bury a friend. Thanks for the photo.

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  10. A wonderful photo of Fort Snelling Cemetery for Memorial Day, Great Kate! Very well captured!
    I'm having lunch with a friend @ "Pardon my French" today!

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