Old Blandford Church and Cemetery

Old Blandford Church and Cemetery Review

A parish church from the 18th century, Old Blandford Church and Cemetery is a memorial to the Southern soldiers who died during the Civil War. Some 30,000 Confederate soldiers are buried in the churchyard, which is surrounded by ornamental ironwork. The church's 15 spectacular stained-glass windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany are memorials donated by the Confederate states. The Memorial Day tradition is said to have begun in this cemetery in June 1866, inspired by the women's group of the church who not only raised the funds for the memorial, but also decorated the graves every year.