Memorial Day 2026 is on Monday, May 25. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated after the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Today, we continue to celebrate Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

One important Cemetery in our area is Maplewood Cemetery, a historic 57-acre nonsectarian burial ground now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. As noted in our application to the National Registrar, “the cemetery retains a high level of integrity of design, setting, workmanship, materials, feeling, and association.” Appointed trustees maintain the cemetery, which has 501(c)(13) nonprofit status, and all maintenance is funded by donations.

The cemetery grounds include more than 6,200 memorials. Because this cemetery is so closely linked to the Elkins founding community and its founders, it holds a special place in the community. It is the burial ground for diverse community leaders, including the town’s founder, Steven Elkins, and his father-in-law, politician and industrialist Henry Gassaway Davis.

Several Mayors, Senators, as well as doctors, business owners, and others are buried here. Several served in the military during the Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Some served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War; others served in the Union Army.

The Board of Trustees welcomes our community to visit our website, Maplewoodcemeteryelkins.com, to learn more about this historic site. Memorial Day visits will see improvements, and everyday walkers will find a place of peace and serenity.