Boalsburg holds a significant and heartfelt claim as the birthplace of Memorial Day. This distinction stems from an act of remembrance that took place in October 1864.
The story begins with three local women: Emma Hunter, Sophie Keller, and Elizabeth Meyer. As the Civil War raged on, communities across the nation were grappling with immense loss. In Boalsburg, these women, each mourning loved ones who had served or were still serving in the conflict, separately visited the local cemetery to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers.
According to historical accounts, on that day, they encountered each other at the cemetery. Moved by their shared grief and purpose, they decided to return the following year to honor not only their own loved ones but all soldiers who had died in the war. They proposed making it an annual tradition for the entire community to participate in decorating the graves of all soldiers.
This local observance in Boalsburg is considered by many to be one of the earliest and most direct precursors to what we now know as Memorial Day. While other towns and cities also have claims to early Memorial Day observances, Boalsburg’s 1864 event is notable for its community-focused approach and the clear intention to honor all soldiers.
Memorial Day Events
