In 2011, states, cities and institutions across the United States of

America marked the 150th Anniversary of the start of the Civil War. Many of

those men engaged in battle, fighting on the sides of both the Union and

Confederacy, now rest at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Our site also holds sacred the

remains of numerous, prominent Civil War-era Philadelphians, including

volunteer nurses, surgeons and supporters of the war effort.

A commemorative, Sesquicentennial Exhibition installed at the Cemetery

Gatehouse explores Laurel Hill’s varied historic and cultural connections to

the American Civil War. It highlights our chosen “Elite Eleven,” a select group

of military figures and citizens whose contributions to the war and war effort

together epitomize the stories of the peoples who lived during and through

this stirring era in our nation’s history. These figures will remain a focus of

the exhibit throughout the Sesquicentennial (2011-2015), in addition to a

rotating selection of notables whose influence was most keenly apparent in

specific years or battles of the war. Our 2013 notables include those who we

remember for the important roles they played in year of war 1863,

specifically at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Learn more about our 1863 Exhibit Opening and Event.

The Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery are currently seeking historic Civil War-related objects

or papers for display in our Sesquicentennial Exhibition. If you are, or know anyone who

may be interested in making a Temporary Loan, please contact us at

info@thelaurelhillcemetery.org or (215) 228-8200.