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You
Can:
Search
the Forest Hill Cemetery Burial Records
Go to: map of Forest Hill
Cemetery
Go
to: USGenWeb
archives Newly
posted:
Forest Hill Walking
Tour brochure (.pdf) For
more information:
foresthillcemetery@cityofmadison.com |
In
1857, the City of Madison purchased a tract of land with a
lovely view overlooking the entire city and the surrounding
lakes. Even today, this tree-lined cemetery, located on Speedway
Road, retains an original park-like atmosphere with winding
roads and flowerbeds.
Since the cemetery was created at
the time of the Civil War, one of the most interesting areas for
visitors are the two military burial plots for Union and
Confederate soldiers. Many Confederate soldiers were held
prisoner at nearby Camp Randall. One hundred forty of them died
and were buried at Forest Hill. In a nearby plot, 240 Union
veterans were buried. Forest Hill Cemetery is one of the first
U.S. National Cemeteries in Wisconsin.
In an even earlier time, Native
Americans used this high ground as a burial ground, evidenced by
an Effigy Mound Grouping, where noble warriors are buried. This
mound, in the shape of a goose, is located on the southeast side
of the cemetery. It is listed in the National Register of
Historic Places.
The entire cemetery is filled
with a sense of history and a reminder of the families who have
played a significant role in the area's development. A
brochure (free of charge) that features a map and self-guided
walking tour or a publication by Historic Madison, Inc. entitled
"Forest Hill Cemetery; A Biographical Guide to the Ordinary
and the Famous Who Shaped Madison and the World" ($20.00)
can be obtained at the Cemetery Office or the Parks Office.
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