Rostrum - Poplar Grove National Cemetery

Rostrum at Poplar Grove

NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

5008 Vaughan Road, Petersburg, VA

Significance:

Poplar Grove National Cemetery

Amenities

1 listed

Wheelchair Accessible

Rostrum

The gazebo-like structure is called a rostrum. In the 1890s, the War Department added more than 30 rostrums to national cemeteries. Poplar Grove’s is one of the few remaining structures of its kind still standing. It’s constructed of decorative wrought iron and tin roof panels, characteristic of the “Aesthetic Style” that was popular in the late 1800s. Rostrums were built in response to the growing popularity of Memorial Day (originally called Decoration Day). It served as a location for dignitaries to give memorial addresses. On May 30, 1874, over 1,500 attendees assembled via a special 6-mile train ride from Petersburg at Poplar Grove Cemetery to honor the soldiers.

“…yesterday has been the first day on which the graves were generally decorated with Flowers, since I have charge of this Cemetery. The people of Petersburg and vicinity, both white and black, turned out en mass for the occasion. It was gratifying to see the people taking at last a [sic] interest in showing due respect to the graves of the fallen Soldiers…” Superintendent August Miller to General Meigs, 31 May 1871.