Program

Patriot Burials®

Subject

Cemetery, People, Site

Location

74F4+P4 Columbus, IN, USA

Lat/Long

39.274358, -85.894684

Grant Recipient

Indiana Society Sons of the American Revolution

The origins of the American Revolution can be traced back to 1775, when the first shots were fired between colonial and British forces at the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Soon after, the American Colonies declared their independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. As the newly formed United States went to war with Great Britain, hundreds of men across the Thirteen Colonies joined the fight. These men came from different walks of life; some were farmers, others were tradesmen, lawyers, doctors and merchants. Despite their differences they desired the same thing: freedom and independence. Colonial forces faced severe challenges, including lack of supplies and military training; however, in the face of obstacles they were undeterred. After nearly 8 years the colonies defeated Great Britain and successfully achieved their independence. It is important to remember the lives and sacrifices made by those who fought for American freedom.

Liberty Cemetery, also known as Hawpatch Cemetery, is the final resting place of many of the community’s early residents. Among those buried here is at least one Revolutionary War veteran, private Thomas McQueen, who was interred ca. 1838.

In addition, another Revolutionary War veteran, Solomon Tracey, may be interred in the Hawpatch Cemetery as well; however, as of 2024, definitive primary source evidence confirming his burial has yet to be located.