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Lebanon National Cemetery... The Union dead from the Battle of Perryville were the first to be buried here. In September 1861, Union Col. John M. Harlan from Springfield, Ill. established Camp Crittenden at Lebanon and began recruiting the 10th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry regiment. From November of that year, Lebanon had become the primary staging center for Union Gen. George H. “Rock of Chickamauga” Thomas’ Mill Springs camp. The town remained an important Union supply depot during the Civil War, as well as a major center for Union hospitals. Even after the fighting moved south during the last two years of the war, at least one military hospital continued to operate in town. During the same period, Lebanon was a major recruiting camp for “colored troops.” Over 2,053 men were recruited, the overwhelming majority of whom had been slaves in the region. Official records indicate the U.S. government first obtained the land for the cemetery in 1862 but it was not designated a national cemetery until 1867. The original interments were the scattered remains of Union soldiers from Lebanon and the surrounding countryside. There were 865 total original interments including 281 unknowns. The original triangular tract is bounded by a stonewall and it contains an 1870s lodge occupied by the superintendent and the remains of a rostrum (stage for public speaking). In 1984, a donation of 3.4 acres brought the cemetery to 5.8 acres. An additional donation of nine acres brought the cemetery to its current size and, as of 2007, there were 5,055 interments. There is a general information kiosk at the site. The cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. It is located at 20 Hwy. 208. For even more information, call 270.692.3390. Directions… ►From Centre Square, drive one block south on KY 55/Spalding Ave. to light (Main St.). ►Turn right onto U.S. 68/Main St. and continue for 1.4 miles to the fifth light. ►Turn left onto KY 208 and the Lebanon National Cemetery is straight ahead.
Hours… ♥Office – Mon. through Fri., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Closed federal holidays except Memorial Day and Veterans Day. ♥Visitation – Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Special events… ♥Lebanon Memorial Day Celebration – Held each Sunday during Memorial Day Weekend, this program is a dignified tribute to fallen soldiers of any war. The program features a presentation of the colors by the Marion County Veterans Honor Guard and Marion County High School R.O.T.C., singing of the National Anthem and patriotic musical selections performed by the Marion County High School Band. A different guest speaker is featured each year and a wreath is presented to the family of the last soldier interred at the Cemetery followed by a three-round cannon volley and TAPS. The Celebration is moving and a fitting tribute to the men and women that have served in the United States armed forces. It begins at 2 p.m. ♥Lebanon Veteran’s Day Celebration – Held each Sunday during Veteran’s Day Weekend, this program is similar to the Memorial Day Celebration. ♥Wreaths Across America – This tradition of placing wreaths on the headstones of fallen U.S. heroes during the holidays is held each December. This is a moving ceremony.
Floral/Grounds Regulations… ♥Lebanon National Cemetery is not responsible for any items left at gravesites. ♥Floral arrangements (up to six arrangements) accompanying the casket or urn at the time of burial will be placed on the completed gravesite by cemetery staff. They will be removed when they become unsightly or when it becomes necessary to facilitate cemetery operations, such as mowing. ♥Natural cut flowers can be placed on graves at any time of the year. They will be removed and disposed of when they become unsightly. ♥Temporary metal containers, provided by the cemetery, are available at various sites on the grounds. Limit one per gravesite. Cemetery-provided floral containers are the only floral containers allowed in the cemetery Perma vases are not permitted nor are they sold at Lebanon National Cemetery. ♥Artificial flowers and/or potted plants in unbreakable containers (cardboard, plastic, metal) are permitted on gravesites from Oct. 10 until April 15. They are also permitted on graves 10 days before and 10 days after Easter Sunday and Memorial Day. ♥Items are subject to removal on the first and third Fridays during mowing season and, depending on the added frequency of mowing, up to twice a week. Depending on the growing season, artificial flowers/potted plants might have to be removed to accommodate the early mowing season up to twice per week. ♥Christmas wreaths, grave blankets and related arrangements will be permitted on graves from Dec. 1 until Jan. 20. Grave floral blankets can not be larger than 2x3 feet. Do not wrap them in plastic. It destroys the turf. ♥Floral items and other decorations can be secured in place (in the ground) by the donor. They can not be attached to headstones or markers. Floral “stands” and “saddles” are prohibited. ♥Unauthorized decorations such as permanent plantings, statues, vigil lights, upright metal flag holders and breakable objects of any kind and similar commemorative items are not permitted on the gravesites or on the monuments. ♥Upon a family’s written request, cemetery personnel will place an arrangement in a designated location for 30 days, after which arrangements will be disposed of.
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