Permanent Location Selected for
Historic Civil War Monument

The Bloedner monument in its previous location at Cave Hill National Cemetery, Louisville, Kentucky. More than half of the original inscription has worn away.

Heritage Preservation has been a partner in the preservation of the oldest surviving Civil War memorial. The monument was made in 1862 by Private August Bloedner to honor his fellow soldiers of the 32nd Indiana Infantry who fell in the Battle of Rowlett’s Station near Munfordville, Kentucky. The monument is carved of delicate St. Genevieve limestone that had badly deteriorated outdoors at Cave Hill National Cemetery in Louisville.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs historians consulted with Heritage Preservation and the Kentucky Heritage Council on the best way to preserve this significant monument, and it was determined that it should be moved to an indoor location before the winter of 2008. With the help of conservators at Conservation Solutions Inc., the monument was carefully moved from the cemetery to a temporary facility at the University of Louisville where it was stabilized and safely stored. The timing of this decision was particularly fortuitous as the Louisville area experienced one of the most severe ice storms in its history in January 2009.

After consulting with local heritage groups, conducting site visits, and holding a public meeting, the VA has announced that “based on Civil War exhibit plans, controlled environment and security, financial stability, annual visitation, and proximity to Cave Hill National Cemetery,” the Frazier International Museum in Louisville has been selected to receive the Bloedner monument on long-term loan. Work is now underway to create a replacement monument with an interpretive sign to be placed at Cave Hill National Cemetery in 2010.

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