Good Mourning Augusta! 10/3/19
"Bury me on Crescent Hill, my troubles will rest softly"
~ Southern Hymn, Origin Unknown
I think many of us have memories both sweet and bitter of this hill. We played here as children before the enormity of it's meaning was understood, and as adults we said "Good-Bye" to our dearest loved ones.
Long before "Crescent Hill" (now called "Augusta Memorial Park") was officially created this stretch of land had been used by the Chickasaw Indians and early settlers to the area. It is the "highest point on the east bank of the White River to it's mouth" (NRHP )
In 1852 Thomas Hough officially created "Cresecent Hill". In 1867 following the devastating conclusion (both for the North, South, and most especially all families involved) of the Civil War, Hough sold Cresent Hill to the City of Augusta, AR.
You have to understand the context - as early as 1861, neither post cemeteries or rural cemeteries were prepared for the burial of ultimately 600,00 men who died during the Civil War. Keep in mind - that number does not include wives and children who perished due to the poverty and hunger incurred naturally from a war fought in the very homes and yards of it's nations citizens. Crops were destroyed, no labor was available to plant or bring them in, sickness was rampant in a people who were physically and spiritually devastated. In 1867 (note this is same year Hough sold Crescent Hill to the city of Augusta) The U.S. Quartermaster General established "National Cemeteries" because of the growing concern about the conditions of wartime interments. However, these cemeteries were for Union Soldiers only. Crescent Hill / Augusta Memorial Park is the final resting place of numerous Confederate Soldiers - draw your own conclusions...
Stay tuned to hear their stories!