Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery
A solemn resting place for over 2,000 Confederate POWs, Camp Chase offers a quiet space for reflection on Civil War history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for reflection
Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery
Best Time
Pleasant weather for reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solemn resting place for over 2,000 Confederate POWs, Camp Chase offers a quiet space for reflection on Civil War history.
"A very hallowed place despite the urbanania outside its wall. Thank you Ohio!"
🚶 Park Wisely
Street parking on Sullivant Ave is busy. Try the lot at the nearby ice cream shop for easier access.
🤫 Be Respectful
This is a solemn burial ground. Maintain a quiet demeanor and show reverence for the soldiers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rows of Unknown Soldiers
Main cemetery grounds
Thousands of graves, many marked as 'unknown,' stand as a somber testament to the harsh realities of POW life.
The Lady in Gray Legend
Throughout the cemetery
Whispers of a spectral 'Lady in Gray' add an eerie, historical mystique to the grounds.
Memorial Day Flags
Individual grave markers
Historically marked with Confederate flags, now often adorned with American flags on Memorial Day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visitation
Access and Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 Park Wisely
Street parking on Sullivant Ave is busy. Try the lot at the nearby ice cream shop for easier access. +1
🤫 Be Respectful
This is a solemn burial ground. Maintain a quiet demeanor and show reverence for the soldiers.
♿ Accessibility Concerns
The main entrance has steps. Internal paths are limited, and markers are closely spaced.
👻 Local Legends
Keep an eye out for the 'Lady in Gray,' a local legend said to haunt the cemetery.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Park Wisely
Street parking on Sullivant Ave is busy. Try the lot at the nearby ice cream shop for easier access. +1
🤫 Be Respectful
This is a solemn burial ground. Maintain a quiet demeanor and show reverence for the soldiers.
♿ Accessibility Concerns
The main entrance has steps. Internal paths are limited, and markers are closely spaced.
👻 Local Legends
Keep an eye out for the 'Lady in Gray,' a local legend said to haunt the cemetery.
🇺🇸 Flag Etiquette
Note the shift from Confederate to American flags on Memorial Day, a point of discussion for some visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery to be a hallowed and well-maintained site, evoking a sense of solemn reflection on the soldiers buried far from home. Many appreciate the efforts to preserve the grounds and the improved security. Some note accessibility challenges and discuss the evolving flag etiquette on Memorial Day.
"This a very hallowed place despite the urbanania outside its wall. I know many Southerners who are wonderful Americans. I am so sorry these brave men died so far from their homes. Very proud of the Ohioans who take care of them."
Owen Wright
"Thank you Ohio! After the “Terrorist Attack” on the cemetery last fall, the new security team is no second-string rent-a-cop unit. I felt safe with their attentive overlook of the site. Park in the Diary Twist to the east (right) of the front entrance."
Bob Henderson
"Well maintained cemetery. Parked at ice cream shop and walked over."
Mark Spilker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cemetery is located on Sullivant Avenue in Columbus, Ohio. Parking on Sullivant Ave can be challenging due to traffic. Many visitors opt to park at nearby businesses like the ice cream shop and walk over. +1
Information on specific public transportation routes is limited, but it's advisable to check local Columbus transit schedules for options that may get you close to the Sullivant Avenue area.
Street parking is available on Sullivant Avenue, but it's often busy and not recommended. Parking at adjacent businesses, such as the ice cream shop, is a more practical alternative. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery is a national cemetery and is free to enter.
As a national cemetery, it is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's always a good idea to confirm specific hours if you plan a visit around holidays or special events.
While the cemetery is a public space, visiting after dark is generally not advised due to safety concerns and potential closure by authorities.
The main entrance has steps and no ramp, making it difficult for wheelchair users. The internal paths are also not well-defined, and markers are closely spaced.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
This cemetery holds the remains of 2,260 Confederate prisoners of war who died at Camp Chase, a Union prison, primarily from disease during the harsh winters of 1863-1864.
You'll find rows of headstones, many marked 'unknown,' representing soldiers who died far from home. The grounds are well-maintained, offering a quiet place for reflection.
While there are no large, prominent monuments visible from the sidewalk, the sheer number of graves and the historical significance of the site are its main features.
Recent reviews suggest improved security measures are in place. However, as with any urban cemetery, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and visit during daylight hours.
The 'Lady in Gray' is a local ghost story about a spectral figure said to wander among the tombstones, adding a touch of the supernatural to the cemetery's history.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally permitted. However, always be mindful of the solemn nature of the site and avoid intrusive or disrespectful photo-taking.
The long rows of headstones offer a powerful visual. Capturing the atmosphere at different times of day, especially during golden hour, can be very evocative.
While not explicitly stated, it's best to avoid drone photography or any activities that could disturb other visitors or the sanctity of the burial ground.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be aware of the limited accessibility, as there are steps at the entrance and no paved paths. Consider bringing a stroller that can handle uneven terrain or a carrier for younger children. The close spacing of the markers might also be a consideration for very young children who tend to wander. Focus on the quiet reflection and the stories of the past rather than extensive exploration.
🤔 History Enthusiasts
Delve into the history of Camp Chase itself, understanding its role as a Union prison and the specific circumstances that led to the high mortality rate among Confederate soldiers. Consider researching the broader context of POW experiences during the Civil War to fully appreciate the significance of this site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Camp Chase
The cemetery is the final resting place for approximately 2,260 Confederate soldiers who perished while held captive. Many of these soldiers died as unknown individuals, their identities lost to the ravages of war and illness. The cemetery stands as a stark reminder of the human cost of the Civil War and the difficult circumstances faced by prisoners of war on both sides.
Today, the Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery is maintained as a national cemetery, a testament to the efforts to honor and remember all who served and suffered during that tumultuous period in American history. Despite its somber nature, it is a place that evokes reflection on the past and the enduring impact of the Civil War.
Community Perspectives and Preservation
Recent discussions highlight the ongoing efforts to preserve the cemetery and address issues like vandalism. Following an incident where a headstone was damaged, security measures have reportedly been enhanced, with attentive oversight aimed at ensuring the site's safety. This proactive approach aims to protect the integrity of the burial ground for future visitors.
There's also a nuanced conversation around memorialization, particularly concerning the flags displayed. While historically Confederate flags were used, a shift towards American flags on Memorial Day has been noted, sparking debate among some visitors about historical accuracy and political pressures. This reflects the complex legacy and ongoing dialogue surrounding Civil War memorials.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit