The first Ladies Memorial Association was organized at Fredericksburg in
1865, and in response to liberal contributions the present cemetery was
laid out, and the Confederate dead who were buried at various places were
gathered together and each grave marked.
In 1874 the corner stone was laid of the monument erected on a mound in
the center of the space. This monument is about 6 feet high made of gray
granite, and on top has a life size statue of a Confederate soldier at
dress parade. On the front of the monument is the inscription "To the
Confederate Dead."
About 2,500 are buried here, of which about 600 are unknown.
[Illustration: MONUMENT TO MARY THE MOTHER OF WASHINGTON]