Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1906-05-30
"On Fame's eternal camping ground
Their silent tents are spread,
And Glory guards with solemn round
The bivOuac of the dead"

The bivouac of the dead"
"A monument to the builders and saw
ers of the nation, to those who laid
down their lives for that which was
dear to them and to their wives and
children for whom many died fighting,
the National Cemetery stands as the
chief historical attraction of historical
old Santa Fe. Heroes who were killed
in Indian massacres, in the Mexican
war, in the War of the Rebellion, and
those who distinguished themselves
in Spanish engagements, lie side by
side, and to read the inscriptions on
the headstones is like turning the
pages of the history Of our nation.
The remains Of soldiers who fell
while fighting and whose Identities
have become lost have been moved
from their first burial places to the
National Cemetery, and plain blocks
of marble mark their resting places.
Of the 1886 persons whose bodies lie
within the stone walls of the cemetery,
442 are unknown" martyrs ito their
country's cause. Many of them are
veterans of Indian fights and others
were soldiers during the Civil war.
A more suitable spot than that which
it occupies could not have been chosen
for the cemetery. just removed from
the city and yet easily accessible to
those who care to visit it, and the
register kept in the lodge of the sup
erintendent, shows that people from
every state in the Union have paid
their respects there, the location of
the cemetery could not have been bet
ter selected. To the north and west
a range of hills forms a background,
much as If they had been stationed
there as guards to watch over the
home of the dead; to the south
stretches a level plain, while the Ro.
sario Cemetery joins 1t on the east.
Beauty is Striking.
On entering the cemetery through
one of the iron gates by which access
is to be had, the visitor is impressed
with the beauty of the place. It might
almost be compared to park, when
one notices the even and well kept
lawn, shapely trees, pretty walks and
attractive flower beds. 1t is surround
ed by a stone wall which adds to its
picturesQueness and makes a splendid
setting to the row Of poplar trees
which surround it. Trees of other
species are scattered about, many OF
them surrounded by flower beds which
at this time of the year are at their
prettiest. Long rows OF iris also ex-
tend along the walks, which are con-
veniently as well as artistically ar
ranged. The headstones, most of
which are uniform in shape and size,
are placed in sections into which the
cemetery has been divided according
to the rank or time at which the SOL
diers fought, Ito whom they were erect
ed. Occasionally a more imposing
headstOne stands little apart from
the rest as evidence that beneath lies
someone who has earned more than
ordinary distinction, and by reading
the inscriptions one finds that they are
sacred to the memory of officers of
rank or men important in affairs OF
administration.
The lodge or residence Of the super
intendent is situated on a little knoll
at the west end of the burial grounds.
1t Is a stone structure pf modest ap-
pearance and is in keeping with its
surroundings. One compartment of 1t
is used as an Office, where records are
kept, as well as a register, upon which
all visitors are asked to inscribe their
names. High above all else and in
plain view to those who approach that
way, an American flag waves allegi-
ance to those who died in Its cause.
Once a Barren Tract.
These conditions. however, have not
always existed. The picturesque spot
now known as the National Cemetery
was until thirteen years ago a prac.
tically barren tract. 1t was while
United States Senator Stephen B. Ell.
kins of West Virginia, a former resi-.
dent Of this city, and ex-United States
Attorney for and ex-Delegate from