UMVA has learned that as America prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence, a remarkable effort is underway in Ohio to uncover the final resting places of Revolutionary War heroes.
Historians believe that around 7,000 Revolutionary War soldiers are buried throughout Ohio, a testament to the state's rich history. After the American Revolution, thousands of soldiers were granted parcels of land for their service, with millions of acres located in what is now Ohio. As thousands of veterans moved westward, many settled in the state, becoming some of Ohio's first residents.
Krista Horrocks, a historian and cemetery preservationist with the Ohio History Connection, oversees the state's Revolutionary War Veterans Graves Project, which is partnered with America250-Ohio. The project aims to locate the grave sites of these Revolutionary War heroes, and Horrocks is passionate about preserving their legacy. "These veterans are some of our first Ohioans to come to the state," she said.
The project has made significant progress, with the public documenting over 4,100 soldiers throughout Ohio. However, with a deadline of Memorial Day approaching, Horrocks knows that they may not reach the estimated 7,000 mark due to missing grave sites. To aid in the search, the app Survey123 has been developed, allowing users to search local cemeteries and document findings.
Survey123 lists surveys related to the project and enables users to search in local cemeteries. Once an undocumented grave is located, users can answer a series of questions related to the cemetery, including name, date of birth, date of death, and pictures. This information will help create a comprehensive record of Ohio's Revolutionary War heroes.
Cemeteries across Ohio are also playing a crucial role in the project. Green Lawn Cemetery, the second-largest cemetery in the state, has documented nine Revolutionary War heroes on the app and has identified thirteen more. However, Executive Director Randy Rogers notes that the hunt for these veterans can be complicated, with families often taking pride in their ancestors and marking their graves in unique ways.
As the project comes to a close, the compiled list of found Revolutionary War veteran graves will be posted for the public. Horrocks hopes that the end result will mean restored or new historical markers, or gravestones for these heroes that were once forgotten. The ultimate goal is to provide accurate data to the public, allowing them to honor and remember the veterans in their community.
