johnson's island confederate cemetery

For anyone loving history you must visit Johnson's Island. Just to know you will stand where soldiers fought back in the Civil War is very exciting. Many graves are here and are fenced in with black Iron fencing. Very interesting.

The serenity of this site is a welcome diversion from the surrounding area. The displays are simple, clear and informative. Most of the visitors appear respectful of the what is represented here. We found a distant, confirmed relative to my wife's paternal side of the family interred there. Worth the diversion, especially for those who follow history and the Civil War.

Interesting bit of Ohio history, if you're in the area, a worthwhile side trip. Rumor has it that there are ghosts/spirits in the cemetery.

Johnson's Island was used as a Federal prison from 1862 until 1865 for Confederate officers and some enlisted men. Several of Morgan's Raiders were housed here for a short time including his #2, Basil Duke. They were considered too much of a flight risk and moved to the Ohio Penitentiary, where in fact they did break out. What few know is that it was also used to house civilians considered subversive to the United States so you will find the graves of "citizen" in this cemetery as well.The cemetery is currently maintained and administered through the VA. A brass Ohio Historical Society marker marks the road to the island but you can only see it going eastbound because the trees on the adjacent property have grown up around it and obscure it for westbound traffic - one way to keep cars from going up and down your side yard. If you get to the Keeper's House(the original residence of the lighthouse keeper) you've gone too far and need to turn around - then you'll be able to see the brass plaque.It costs $2(bills, the coin accepter is broken as of this writing) to get through the gate onto the island.If you find the cemetery and the Johnson Island Prison interesting, read a history of "The Great Northwest Conspiracy", a plan hatched by Confederate commissioners in Canada to release POW's from Johnson's Island and Camps Chase, Morton, and Douglas to throw the North into chaos. The Johnson's Island raid fell apart when some of the participants got cold feet, scuttled the ferry steamer they commandeered, and fled. Their leader, a man named Beall, was eventually captured and hung as a spy!!Enjoy the island by driving around the perimeter road, passed Johnson's rock quarry, now an upscale subdivision, and back to the cemetery

If you are in the area you might want to spend the $2 to go over to see this cemetery. It is a bit of interesting civil war history and the setting is pretty. Will not take long, maybe 30-45 minutes

A quiet reverent place, with description of the history behind this piece of history. The white historic headstones were very moving. WE had to pay $2 to cross the little bridge on to the island, but it was so worth it.

First of all, this is an amazing place. There should bee signage on the highway (Route 2 or I-90)because it is not publicized enough. There should also be signs in Marblehead directing people to the cemetery. The cemetery is quiet, picturesque, respectful, and sorrowful. It tells a quiet story of a time when families were divided, our nation was divided, and is a monument to Americans fighting for what they believed. The victorian archway and the lone soldier overlooking the lake are both hauntingly beautiful and there are several stones that indicate unknown soldiers are buried there. Schoolchildren and any Civil war enthusiast should visit this cemetery. I went with 3 other adults and we all thought it was wonderful. Please go. Take a quiet moment to show respect to our brothers from the South, that died so far from home.Also, I left a small donation that goes towards the upkeep of this beautiful place.

Who knew this spot was there?! It's a little out of the way, but very worth the trip. Lived in OH my whole life and never knew that Confederate POW's had been held there. Well-maintained with lots of informative placards and signs. Very quiet and lovely view of the lake when you go out the gate on the far side. $2 toll to get onto the island is well worth it. Maybe for slightly older kids, 10+, who understand the Civil War. Our 12 year old daughter found it interesting. Very glad we went and saw it.

My wife and I took our 12 year old grand son with us and he enjoyed the history here just as much as we did

We were the only one's here for over an hour. It's a nice piece of history. Be aware that it's on an island with a private drive. To get over the bridge you have to pay a $2 toll. My 13 y0 daughter loves history and she liked this. There are multiple plaques that tell the history of the camp. There is nothing here but the cemetery so be prepared that if you have young kids that they probably will be extremely bored. More for older kids that have taken history and know what this is about. My 10 yo was kinda bored with this honestly.

Visiting here reminds us that Man is constantly in turmoil. This is a beautiful, yet solemn place well worth visiting and reflecting upon. It is very easy to find, simply come over the toll bridge, go straight at the intersection, and the Cemetary is on the left about 800 feet from the intersection.

This is worth a visit if you are on the island. We actually attended a wedding reception in the hall adjacent to the cemetary. History buffs would really appreciate this.

Only thing on the island is the cemetery, the rest is private residences. However, it is well worth the $2 bridge fee. Cemetery has been well-maintained and stands as a tribute to peace.

Took a day to see Marblehead including the lighthouse and the Confederate Cemetery on Johnson's Island. Driving from the Marblehead Lighthouse towards the access road to Johnson's Island, there is no visible marker telling visitors where to turn. An historical marker, that is visible from the opposite direction, is completely obscured by bushes. The cemetery itself needs attention, and it seems as if those who live and own Johnson's Island would rather not have this historical site anywhere near their exclusive residences. All roads except for the causeway leading to the Cemetery itself are marked "private, residents and guests only". It is too bad that nothing of the prison itself has been preserved or is even acknowledged with any kind of marker or signage. It was apparently located farther down the road, which was not open to the public. The Johnson's Island Homeowners Association were having a large tent set up immediately adjacent to the Cemetery for some function or another that they were having, wholly unconnected with the Cemetery. It was disconcerting.

Great place to take kid's and share history of our country . We took the Boy Scouts on a bicycle tour of the Marblehead Peninsula and had a great trip. Tie this in with a visit to the Lighthouse.