 |
| Landmark #816 | San Mateo County | Visited: November 16, 2013 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | A controversial Civil War era cemetery that reflected support for the Union side, which California ultimately joined! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: The name of this cemetery, established before the first shots were fired at Fort Sumter, reflects the controversy that brought on the Civil War. On March 16, 1859, the purchase of six acres was consummated, but the cemetery association, not being a corporate body, did not take title to the property. Instead it was deeded “to John B. Weller, Governor of California and his successors in office . . . in trust for the use and benefit of the Union Cemetery Association of San Mateo County.”
OTHER TIDBITS: This cemetery was a source of controversy from the beginning! A fellow named Horace Hawes had moved onto a plot of land only to find that the previous owner had allowed 13 people to be buried there! Well, he caused quite a stir by exhuming and moving the bodies to what became known as Union Cemetery! The cemetery got its name because its developers opposed the secessionist movement and intentionally named the cemetery for the Union! Then, in 1886, the Grand Army of the Republic fraternal organization (largely Union vets) set up shop right in the cemetery! They were then joined by Masons, Druids, and Odd Fellows, which makes this one eclectic crew of cadavers! This landmark is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
|
| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: 200 block of Woodside Rd (State Hwy 84) NW corner of El Camino Real and Woodside Rd Redwood City, CA 94061 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~362mi (583km) — 6.1hrs |
| When should I go? | I haven’t seen any rules or regulations, so I think you can swing by any time you wish! |