How to Visit Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery

Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery, located in Columbus, Ohio, stands as one of the most significant and solemn memorials to Confederate soldiers who died in Union prisoner-of-war camps during the American Civil War. Established in 1863, the cemetery is the final resting place for over 2,000 Confederate soldiers, many of whom were buried in unmarked graves due to the chaos and hardship of wartime conditions. Today, it serves not only as a historical landmark but also as a powerful symbol of reconciliation, remembrance, and the enduring human cost of conflict. Visiting Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery offers a unique opportunity to connect with a complex chapter of American history—one often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a descendant of a Civil War soldier, or simply someone seeking to understand the legacy of the war, this guide provides everything you need to plan a meaningful and respectful visit.

Unlike many national cemeteries, Camp Chase is not operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs but is maintained through the collaborative efforts of the Ohio History Connection and the Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery Association. Its quiet, tree-lined grounds and carefully preserved headstones offer a contemplative atmosphere that invites reflection. Understanding how to visit this site properly—its location, access, etiquette, and historical context—is essential to honoring those buried here and ensuring the preservation of its legacy for future generations.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Confirm the Cemetery’s Location and Address

Before planning your journey, ensure you have the correct physical address. Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery is located at 1410 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222. It is situated within the Camp Chase Historical Park, a larger area that includes remnants of the original Civil War-era prison camp. Use GPS navigation or a trusted mapping service like Google Maps or Apple Maps to input the full address. Avoid relying on generic searches such as “Confederate cemetery in Ohio,” as these may lead to unrelated or outdated locations.

2. Plan Your Visit Around Operating Hours

The cemetery is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset. There are no formal gates or security checkpoints, but access is restricted during extreme weather or maintenance periods. It is advisable to check the official Ohio History Connection website or call their visitor services line for any temporary closures due to events, snow removal, or preservation work. Early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended for optimal lighting and fewer visitors, especially if you plan to photograph headstones or take quiet moments of reflection.

3. Prepare for the Terrain and Weather

The cemetery spans approximately 12 acres of gently rolling, grass-covered land with uneven pathways and mature trees. While most areas are accessible on foot, some sections may be muddy after rain or snow-covered in winter. Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear with good traction. In warmer months, bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. In colder seasons, dress in layers and consider waterproof outerwear. A small backpack with essentials—such as tissues, a notebook, and a camera—will enhance your experience.

4. Locate the Main Entrance and Visitor Marker

The primary entrance is on West Broad Street, marked by a stone archway and a large interpretive sign detailing the cemetery’s history. As you enter, you’ll notice a central pathway lined with rows of headstones, many of which bear the inscription “Known unto God,” indicating soldiers whose identities were lost. At the entrance, you’ll also find a bronze plaque honoring the cemetery’s restoration efforts and a map of the grounds. Take a moment to study this map—it will help you navigate the layout and locate specific sections of interest.

5. Identify Key Areas of Interest

Within the cemetery, several areas warrant special attention:

• The Confederate Memorial Stone: Erected in 1903 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, this large granite monument stands at the center of the cemetery and bears the names of all known Confederate soldiers interred here.
• The Unmarked Graves: Approximately 1,200 of the 2,264 burials lack individual markers. These are grouped in sections marked by low stone borders and numbered plots. Respect these areas as sacred spaces.
• The Soldiers’ Plot: Located near the eastern edge, this section contains the graves of soldiers who died from disease, malnutrition, and exposure during their imprisonment.
• The Memorial Wall: A newer addition, this wall lists the names of soldiers whose remains were identified through modern research and DNA analysis.

6. Use the Cemetery’s Official Name List

For those seeking a specific soldier, the cemetery maintains a comprehensive, searchable database of all interred individuals. This list is available on the Ohio History Connection’s website and also printed in a booklet at the entrance kiosk. The database includes the soldier’s name, regiment, state of origin, date of death, and grave number. If you are visiting to locate a relative, write down the grave number and plot designation beforehand to save time.

7. Navigate the Grounds Respectfully

Walk only on designated paths and avoid stepping on grave markers or planting beds. Many of the headstones are fragile, dating back over 150 years. Do not lean on monuments or attempt to clean or move stones. If you wish to leave a token—such as a flower, a small flag, or a note—place it gently at the base of a marker or in the designated offering area near the memorial stone. Avoid attaching items to headstones, as this can cause damage.

8. Document Your Visit (Responsibly)

Photography is permitted for personal use. If you plan to photograph headstones, avoid using flash, which can damage inscriptions over time. Use natural light and shoot from a slight angle to capture faded engravings. If you are documenting for genealogical or academic purposes, record the grave number, inscription, and date of visit. Do not use drones or tripods without prior written permission from the Ohio History Connection.

9. Visit the Adjacent Camp Chase Museum

Just a short walk from the cemetery is the Camp Chase Museum, housed in the restored 1863 guardhouse. Open on weekends and select weekdays, the museum features artifacts, letters, uniforms, and interactive exhibits detailing life in the prison camp. Admission is free. The museum staff can provide additional context, answer questions, and direct you to lesser-known stories of soldiers buried at the site. Consider allocating at least 30–45 minutes to explore the museum after your cemetery visit.

10. Leave with Respect and Reflection

Before departing, take a few moments to stand quietly in the center of the cemetery. Reflect on the lives lost, the families left behind, and the enduring legacy of reconciliation. Many visitors choose to recite the Gettysburg Address or a personal prayer. There is no formal ritual required, but silence and mindfulness are deeply appreciated. When you leave, ensure you carry out all trash and avoid leaving anything behind except flowers or notes in designated areas.

Best Practices

1. Treat the Site as Sacred Ground

Regardless of your personal views on the Civil War or the Confederacy, Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery is a burial ground. It is not a tourist attraction, a political statement, or a backdrop for selfies. The men buried here were soldiers—many of them young, many of them sick, and all of them far from home. Approach the site with humility and reverence. Avoid loud conversations, inappropriate attire (such as revealing clothing or costumes), and disruptive behavior.

2. Avoid Symbolic Gestures That May Be Misinterpreted

While it is natural to want to honor the dead, certain symbols associated with the Confederacy—such as the battle flag—are deeply divisive and often perceived as endorsements of racism or white supremacy. Displaying such symbols at Camp Chase is not only disrespectful to the site’s mission of reconciliation but may also provoke unrest among other visitors. The cemetery’s official stance is one of historical preservation and unity. Stick to neutral tributes: flowers, flags of the soldier’s home state, or handwritten notes.

3. Educate Yourself Before You Go

Understanding the context of Camp Chase enhances the depth of your visit. Many visitors assume the cemetery is a monument to the “Lost Cause” narrative. In reality, it is a testament to the human toll of war. The prisoners buried here were not necessarily ardent supporters of slavery or secession—many were conscripts, farmers, or teenagers drafted into service. Read primary sources such as soldiers’ letters or diaries available through the Ohio History Connection’s digital archive. This knowledge transforms a simple visit into a meaningful historical engagement.

4. Bring a Notebook or Journal

Many visitors find the experience emotionally profound. Jotting down your thoughts, observations, or questions can help process what you see. Consider writing about the names you read, the conditions described in the museum, or the silence of the grounds. These reflections may become valuable for future research or family history projects.

5. Respect Other Visitors

It is not uncommon to encounter descendants of Confederate soldiers, Civil War reenactors, or school groups on site. Be courteous and give space to those who may be grieving or conducting research. If someone is kneeling at a grave, do not interrupt or photograph them without permission. Quietude is part of the cemetery’s character.

6. Participate in Preservation Efforts

Over time, weather, vegetation, and erosion threaten the integrity of the headstones. The Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery Association welcomes volunteers for clean-up days,碑文 restoration, and historical documentation. If you are able to contribute time or resources, visit their website to learn about upcoming events. Even small acts—like removing litter or reporting a damaged stone—help preserve this site for future generations.

7. Avoid Using the Site for Political or Ideological Purposes

While the cemetery is historically tied to the Confederacy, its modern purpose is to foster understanding, not division. Do not use your visit as a platform for political rallies, protests, or social media performances. The goal of the site’s stewards is to honor the dead, not to reignite old conflicts. Respect the boundaries of the space and the values it represents.

8. Bring Children with Purpose

Children are welcome, but their presence should be guided by education, not entertainment. Before bringing young visitors, explain the purpose of the cemetery in age-appropriate terms. Use the museum’s youth materials to help them understand concepts like loss, duty, and memory. Encourage them to write a thank-you note to a soldier or draw a picture of a flower they would leave. This turns a visit into a lesson in empathy.

9. Visit During Commemorative Events

Each year on Memorial Day and Confederate Memorial Day (observed in various states on different dates), the cemetery hosts a ceremony with readings, bugle calls, and wreath-laying. These events are open to the public and offer a deeper sense of community and remembrance. Check the Ohio History Connection calendar for dates and schedules. Attending one of these events can be a powerful way to connect with the living legacy of the site.

10. Leave No Trace

Always follow the Leave No Trace principles: take only photographs, leave only flowers, and never remove stones, soil, or artifacts. Even small souvenirs like leaves or pebbles disrupt the ecosystem and historical integrity of the site. If you see litter, pick it up—even if it’s not yours. Your actions set an example for others.

Tools and Resources

1. Ohio History Connection Website

The official steward of Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery, the Ohio History Connection, maintains a comprehensive digital archive at www.ohiohistory.org. Here, you can access:

• Interactive maps of the cemetery
• Full name lists of interred soldiers
• Digitized letters and diaries from prisoners
• Historical photographs and archival documents
• Event calendars and volunteer opportunities

2. Find A Grave Database

The online database Find a Grave contains over 2,200 entries for Camp Chase, many with photos of headstones, biographical details, and links to family trees. This is an invaluable tool for genealogists. Search by name, regiment, or grave number. Contributors often include descendants who have added family stories, making this a living archive.

3. Civil War Trust and National Park Service Resources

While Camp Chase is not a National Park Service site, the Civil War Trust (now part of the American Battlefield Trust) offers contextual materials on Union prison camps, including Camp Chase. Their educational guides explain the conditions soldiers endured and the medical challenges of the time. These resources help visitors understand why so many died in captivity.

4. Mobile Apps for Historical Sites

Download the “HistoryLynx” or “Clio” app on your smartphone. Both apps provide location-based audio tours and historical annotations when you are near the cemetery. Simply open the app while on-site, and it will auto-detect your location and play narrated stories about specific graves or monuments.

5. Books for Deeper Understanding

Consider reading these authoritative works before or after your visit:

• Prisoners of the Civil War: The Confederate Experience at Camp Chase by Dr. Mary Jane Watson
• The Camp Chase Story: A Union Prison for Confederate Soldiers by John R. Dinsmore
• Dead Man’s Walk: The Forgotten Graves of the Civil War by Harold M. Hensley

These books are available through public libraries, used bookstores, or digital platforms like Project Gutenberg and Internet Archive.

6. Genealogy Tools

If you are researching a specific ancestor, use:

• Ancestry.com – Search military records and pension files
• FamilySearch.org – Free access to Confederate service records
• Fold3.com – Digitized military documents, including prisoner lists

Many public libraries offer free access to these services with a library card. Ask a librarian for assistance navigating the databases.

7. Local Historical Societies

The Franklin County Historical Society and the Ohio Genealogical Society maintain local records and can assist with research. They often host workshops on Civil War genealogy and may have unpublished materials not available online.

8. Audio Guides and Podcasts

Listen to “The Lost Grounds” podcast by the Ohio History Connection, which features episodes on Camp Chase, including interviews with descendants and historians. Episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.

9. Educational Materials for Teachers

Teachers planning field trips can request free curriculum packets from the Ohio History Connection. These include lesson plans aligned with Common Core and state history standards, student worksheets, and pre-visit discussion guides.

10. Accessibility Resources

The cemetery is largely accessible via paved and gravel paths. Wheelchair-accessible routes are marked on the site map. If you or someone in your group requires special accommodations, contact the Ohio History Connection in advance to arrange assistance or request a guided tour with mobility support.

Real Examples

Example 1: A Descendant’s Journey

In 2019, Sarah Mitchell of Atlanta, Georgia, traveled to Columbus after discovering her great-great-grandfather, Private James E. Hargrove of the 17th Georgia Infantry, was buried at Camp Chase. She had only a faded photograph and a single letter mentioning his death in 1864. Using Find A Grave, she located his grave (Plot 142, Row 7). On the day of her visit, she placed a small Georgia state flag beside his stone and read aloud the letter she had carried for decades. “I didn’t know what to expect,” she later wrote. “But standing there, I felt like I was finally giving him the peace he never had.” Her story was featured in the Ohio History Connection newsletter and inspired other descendants to come forward.

Example 2: A High School History Project

In 2021, a group of students from Columbus East High School chose Camp Chase as the focus of their Civil War unit. They interviewed museum staff, transcribed headstone inscriptions, and created a digital exhibit titled “Names in the Dirt.” Their project won a state history fair and was displayed at the Ohio Statehouse. One student remarked, “We thought we were studying war. We ended up studying loss. And that changed everything.”

Example 3: A Reenactor’s Reflection

James Delaney, a Civil War reenactor who portrays a Union guard, began visiting Camp Chase after realizing his own ancestor had served as a prison guard there. “I spent years dressing as a Union soldier,” he said. “But I never thought about the men I was guarding. Visiting the cemetery forced me to see them as human beings, not enemies.” He now leads monthly guided walks for reenactors, emphasizing empathy over reenactment.

Example 4: A Military Chaplain’s Visit

Chaplain Laura Chen, stationed at Fort Hayes, visited Camp Chase after a soldier under her care passed away. “I went to pray for him,” she said. “But I stayed for the others.” She now leads an annual interfaith memorial service at the cemetery, inviting veterans of all conflicts to honor the dead together. “This place doesn’t belong to one side,” she explains. “It belongs to anyone who’s ever lost someone to war.”

Example 5: A Foreign Visitor’s Perspective

In 2020, a Japanese historian studying American memory culture visited Camp Chase as part of a global tour of war cemeteries. “In Japan, we honor the dead regardless of which side they fought for,” he observed. “This cemetery does the same. It’s rare to see a war memorial that doesn’t glorify victory, but instead honors the silence between the stones.” His article in the Journal of Transnational Memory brought international attention to the site’s unique approach to reconciliation.

FAQs

Is Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery open to the public year-round?

Yes, the cemetery is open daily from sunrise to sunset. However, access may be temporarily restricted during severe weather, snow removal, or scheduled preservation work. Always check the Ohio History Connection website for updates before visiting.

Can I bring my dog to the cemetery?

Dogs are permitted only if they are service animals. Pets are not allowed on the grounds to preserve the solemn atmosphere and protect the historical landscape.

Are there restrooms available at the cemetery?

There are no public restrooms on-site. The nearest facilities are located at the adjacent Camp Chase Museum or at nearby public parks on West Broad Street.

Can I leave flowers or flags on the graves?

Yes, placing flowers or small flags at the base of headstones is encouraged as a sign of respect. Do not attach items to the stones or use wire, tape, or adhesives, as these can cause damage.

Is there a fee to visit?

No, admission to Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery is free. Donations to the Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery Association are accepted and appreciated to support preservation efforts.

How many Confederate soldiers are buried here?

There are 2,264 known Confederate soldiers buried at Camp Chase. Of these, approximately 1,200 are in unmarked graves.

Can I do genealogical research on-site?

Yes. The cemetery’s visitor kiosk provides printed name lists and maps. For deeper research, use the digital archives on the Ohio History Connection website or request assistance from museum staff.

Is the cemetery wheelchair accessible?

Most of the main pathways are paved and accessible. Some sections have uneven terrain. Contact the Ohio History Connection in advance to arrange a guided tour with accessibility accommodations.

Why are there so many “Known unto God” headstones?

During the Civil War, record-keeping was inconsistent, and many soldiers died without identification. When their bodies were buried, the Union authorities marked their graves with this phrase to honor them despite unknown identities.

Can I take photos for commercial use?

Commercial photography or filming requires written permission from the Ohio History Connection. Contact their media relations office for applications and guidelines.

Is Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery the only Confederate cemetery in Ohio?

Yes. Camp Chase is the only official Confederate cemetery in Ohio. Other states have similar sites, but none in Ohio contain as many Confederate burials.

What should I do if I find a damaged headstone?

Do not attempt to repair it. Note the grave number and location, then report it to the Ohio History Connection. Trained preservationists will assess and restore it properly.

Conclusion

Visiting Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery is more than a trip to a historic site—it is an act of remembrance, an exercise in empathy, and a quiet acknowledgment of the shared humanity that transcends the divisions of war. In an era where history is often weaponized or reduced to slogans, this cemetery stands as a testament to something more enduring: the dignity of the dead, the weight of memory, and the possibility of reconciliation.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you ensure that your visit is not only respectful but meaningful. You honor not just the soldiers buried here, but the families who grieved them, the communities that preserved their memory, and the generations who still seek to understand the cost of conflict.

As you leave the grounds, consider carrying forward the spirit of Camp Chase—not as a relic of the past, but as a living lesson. Let it remind you that history is not about choosing sides, but about listening to voices long silenced. Let it teach you that peace begins not with victory, but with the courage to remember, to honor, and to walk quietly among the stones.

Thank you for taking the time to visit. May your journey be one of understanding, and may the names you read never be forgotten.