Marion County Pioneer Cemetery Commission Holds War of 1812 Veterans Cemetery Walk

Did you know there are 26 War of 1812 veterans buried in Marion County? Each has a different story of how he came to our county, and you can hear some of those tales on Sunday, May 3.
The Marion County Pioneer Cemetery Commission (MCPCC) will be holding a cemetery drive and walk on May 3, from 1-4 p.m. Start at any of four cemeteries that are featured, where you’ll hear the story of a veteran buried there and pick up more information on the other 3 featured veterans as well as the additional 22 buried in Marion County. The event is free and open to the public, in conjunction with America 250 Iowa, the celebration of our country’s 250th birthday.
While these men had various reasons for coming across the Mississippi in the early days of our being a territory and then a state, one of the main reasons was access to land. Valerie Van Kooten, chairperson of MCPCC, says the Louisiana Purchase made an explosion in the land available for settlers. “Veterans of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 were often given warrants for free land across the Mississippi,” she says. “We know that’s why many came, and some of these men were in their 80s at the time!”
Iowa also has 41 Revolutionary War veterans buried around the state, but none in Marion County.
The four cemeteries being featured on May 4 are:

For more information, including a map, go to MCPCC’s website, www.marioncountyiowacemetery.com.