The Union dead from the Battle of Perryville were the first to be buried here.

In September 1861, Colonel John M. Harlan from Springfield, Ill. established Camp Crittenden at Lebanon and began recruiting the 10th Kentucky Infantry regiment. From November of that year, Lebanon had become the primary staging center for General George H. Thomas’ Mill Spring 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.

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 2005, there were 4,699 interments. There is a general information kiosk at the site.

The cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

 

For even more information, call 270.692.3390 or visit www.cem.va.gov/CEM/cems/nchp/lebanon.asp#hi.

 

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 – Monday through Friday, 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. Held at the awe-inspiring Lebanon National Cemetery and its rows of white headstones, 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. In 2006, highly decorated Major Gen. Donald D. Storm was the guest speaker.

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.

 

*Source: www.cem.va.gov/CEM/cems/nchp/lebanon.asp#hi, 2006.