Mackinac Island's Post Cemetery

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Mackinac History: A Continuing Series of Illustrated Vignettes, Volume III, Leaflet #3 The drummer beat a slow, solemn cadence as he marched through the Mackinac forest towards the Post Cemetery. His muffled drum draped in black contrasted sharply with the trumpeter’s bright, brass bugle. Together they played the “Dead March” as they led the long funeral column … In the middle of the procession, between the infantry escort in their dress blue uniforms and the trailing family and friends, was the casket of Hospital Steward Judson Rogers. … Despite the post cemetery’s long-standing popularity as an island landmark, there are many mysteries surrounding this picturesque burial ground. Much of the cemetery’s early history is lost because neglectful post commanders kept poor records and did little to maintain the site. Early 20th-century caretakers make mistakes on replacement headstones and published incorrect information. Recently discovered documents, however, provide fresh information and help unravel some of the mysteries of the post cemetery. Includes information on: The Burying Ground of the Garrison, Officers and Heroes, Enlisted Men’s Fate, Wives, Children and Tragedies, detailed listing and map of known grave sites, And Glory Guards with Solemn Round. By Phil Porter 16 pages, illustrated, 1999 Show more