A hush falls over Fort Lincoln Cemetery. Its quiet beauty speaks volumes. This isn’t just any cemetery. It’s a living testament to history battles and the enduring spirit of those who walked this very ground.
Fort Lincoln Cemetery in Colmar Manor Maryland is more than a resting place. It’s a place where the past comes alive. Established in 1912 it sits on land with centuries of rich history. Imagine the echoes of bygone eras whispering through the trees.
This land witnessed the fierce clash of armies during the War of 1812. The Battle of Bladensburg raged here. Commodore Joshua Barney and his men fought a valiant rearguard action. Their struggle is commemorated by a plaque within the cemetery. The British victory left Washington D C vulnerable. The subsequent burning of the White House still resonates today.
The land also played a crucial role in the Civil War. Fort Lincoln itself a crucial part of the ring of forts defending Washington D C stood on these very grounds. President Abraham Lincoln visited often. He even drank from the Old Spring House a colonial-era structure possibly the oldest standing in Maryland. It served as a cool storage space for milk and butter. It also supposedly offered healing spring water. The great Lincoln Oak a majestic tree under which Lincoln met with troops sadly succumbed to lightning in 1991. A new oak stands as a tribute.
Beyond the battles and presidents Fort Lincoln Cemetery boasts unique features. The Little Church designed by Horace W Peaslee is architectural gem. Its stained-glass windows depict Shakespeare’s Seven Ages of Man. The Community Mausoleum built in 1947 is another highlight. Its stunning stained-glass windows portray scenes from Arthurian legends. It even contains a replica of the Liberty Bell. A magnificent floral clock dating back to 1938 adds to the cemetery’s charm. Its massive hands move slowly across a twenty-eight-foot planted face.
The cemetery’s grounds also hold a section of Battery Jameson a Civil War fortification. Twelve-pound boat howitzers stand as reminders of those times. The older sections of Fort Lincoln Cemetery hold traditional grave sites. The newer sections reflect a memorial park design. Quiet gardens and flush markers create a peaceful atmosphere.
As you leave Fort Lincoln Cemetery remember its multi-layered history. It is more than just a final resting place. It’s a vibrant chapter in American history. The stories of those who fought bled and lived on this land continue to resonate. Each grave each monument each detail speaks of the past reminding us of the sacrifices and triumphs that shaped our nation.