Memorial Day Reflections at Fort Boise Military Cemetery
BOISE, Idaho — On this Memorial Day, the Fort Boise Military Cemetery serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made throughout history. Ken Swanson, former director of the state and military museums, shared insights about the cemetery’s rich past in the heart of Boise, which was established alongside Fort Boise.
Historically, Fort Boise was a vital stop for pioneers traveling between Eastern Idaho and Washington State, providing a place to rest—and, in some cases, to bury their dead. Swanson recounted the grave markers, including that of Robert McComb, who journeyed from Illinois in 1814, a typical Oregon Trail traveler.
While many might assume that the cemetery is the final resting place for veterans of the Civil War and Indian Wars due to battlefield fatalities, Swanson clarified that the majority succumbed to disease. “They opened the cemetery because there were some deaths," he explained, highlighting tragic stories such as a father and his several children who perished from cholera within days of each other, leaving their grieving mother to manage their burial alone.
In 1907, the cemetery relocated to its current location in the Military Reserve, giving it a more serene backdrop. Swanson mentioned that the change was made to distance it from the past and minimize disruptions to the living community.
Today, Boise Parks and Recreation oversees the cemetery, encouraging visitors to pay their respects as they would in any sacred resting place. As the community gathers to honor those who have served, the stories embedded within the Fort Boise Military Cemetery remind us of the resilience and sacrifices made in the name of peace.
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