LEWISBURG, W.Va. — Of the many historic landmarks in charming Lewisburg, West Virginia, perhaps none is more remarkable than a cross-shaped Confederate grave on a hill above the city’s downtown historic district.
According to a prominent West Virginia historian, it may be among the most remarkable burial grounds in the nation.
In a shady park setting ideally suited to contemplation, the remains of 95 unknown Confederate soldiers lie buried in a mass grave that historians and travel ambassadors say is truly unique.
According to historian Mike Gioulis, the cemetery is singular in West Virginia and is the sole remaining artifact of the Battle of 
Decorative mulch marks the cross-shaped mass grave at the center of the cemetery.[/caption]
After the Lewisburg battle, the Union commander ordered the bodies of slain rebel soldiers cast into a trench beside Old Stone Presbyterian Church, now in the downtown historic district. However, they were re-interred after the Droop Mountain battle.
A visit to the Confederate cemetery is often a highlight of a historical tour of the historic downtown area, though not every visitor walks the hillside up to the cemetery. Thus, the visit is often counted among the more immersive of Lewisburg heritage experiences.
A walking trail from the Greenbrier County Public Library leads to the cemetery, also accessible by car by McElhenny Road off Church Street. Google coordinates for the site are 37.802058, -80.451655.
Contact the Greenbrier County Convention and Visitor Bureau for more information and directions.
Windy nights recall legend of Sam Hart and race with the Devil
Windy nights such as come sweeping through the hollows in spring in West Virginia may put many residents of the town of Lewisburg in mind of the legend of Sam Hart. For it was there that the proud youth raced the Devil through the streets. Read the full story here.
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