The Monocacy Cemetery in Beallsville is a part of the Medley District’s history dating back to the mid 1700s when a chapel for Anglican parishioners was constructed. A replacement chapel was built in the 1760s and again after its partial destruction during the Civil War.
In 1874, the Monocacy Cemetery Society was formed to manage the cemetery’s operation. Reflecting the sentiments at the time, large stone markers were erected by Ladies groups in 1911 and 1975 to honor the thirty two Confederate Soldiers buried in the cemetery.
Just as styles of architecture have changed over the years, the cemetery reflects a wide variety of grave styles; from the simple early graves of Revolutionary War patriots, the ornate burial plots of the Victorian era, and the standardized markers of the twentieth century. The cemetery’s design has transitioned from a small church burial ground to a picturesque landscape and perpetual care lawn cemetery. It offers an interesting opportunity for an afternoon observation of the evolution of funerary arts and the history of those interred there.
The thirteen-acre cemetery continues to be used as an active burial ground. It is very familiar to anyone interested in local history. The cemetery’s records, found on find-a-grave.com contain 5622 names. Currently there are 480 veterans of various conflicts buried in the cemetery. On December 17th, volunteers will lay wreaths on the veteran graves as part of the nationwide Wreath Across America project. Check out the cemetery website for more information. Home – Monocacy Cemetery
The wreaths will remain in place for a month, which makes this the perfect time of year to venture out.