The cemetery was created in 1863 as a place to bury Union soldiers who died while serving in and around Camp Nelson during the Civil War. The first cemetery was located near the camp hospital, and 379 people were buried there between June 1863 and July 1865.
The cemetery was established in 1863 to honor Union soldiers who died at Camp Nelson during the Civil War, with the first location being near the camp hospital and serving as a burial ground for 379 individuals between June 1863 and July 1865.