Pay Respects to Four Civil War Veterans at Whitewater Cemetery

Did you know Western Colorado's Whitewater Cemetery is the home to four Civil War veterans? Have you visited the Whitewater Cemetery?

This Memorial Day, why not visit the cemetery and pay your respects. It's a remarkable place to see.

Get our free mobile app

Veterans at Colorado's Whitewater Cemetery

Civil War Veterans

• Archie Jenkins Dodgion - Confederate Army
• Lewis N. Farmer - Union Army
• Jessie M. Walker - Confederate Army
• Joshua Reason White - Union Army

Family Still in Western Colorado

Why Are There Five Names Listed but Only Four in the Cemetery?

I'm glad you asked. In the photo at top you'll see five names listed as having served in the Civil War. Why, then, do I say there are only four Civil War vets in the Whitewater Cemetery? I asked the volunteers the same question. As it turns out, the fifth veteran on the list, George Lewis Gaylord, was relocated to the Orchard Mesa Cemetery after the marker had been made.

Placing Wreaths on Veterans Graves

How to Find the Whitewater Cemetery

You've probably driven right past the cemetery a thousand times and didn't even know it. As you're heading down Highway 50 through Whitewater, the cemetery is on the top of the hill on the north side of the highway. An American flag is flying at all times.

To get there, take Highway 50 and turn north on Reeder Mesa Road. After a short distance, turn to head east on Whitewater Cemetery Road. You're going to think you've turned on to someone's private driveway. That's alright. Just keep heading down this dirt road until you reach the gate of the cemetery. You won't be able to drive into the cemetery, but you'll find parking right by the gate.

Volunteers Are Always Needed