Recognition and Care of the Final Resting Places of Idaho Veterans

By David M. Habben, with the assistance of the Pioneer Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Photos by the author.

Prior to the establishment of the State Veterans Cemetery in Boise, Idaho in 2004, thousands of veterans were interred in the large city or privately owned cemeteries in the city. More than two thousand honorably discharged veterans have their final resting place in Morris Hill Cemetery, which is managed by Boise Parks and Recreation, in one of three specific designated sections. “Silent Camp” was originally created for Union soldiers from the Civil War. 600 plots were designated in this section. The first burial was Edward Taylor, who was laid to rest on May 11, 1913. Since then, two additional sections have been dedicated. Field of Honor 1 and Field of Honor 2 hold soldiers not only from the Civil War, but also soldiers from the Indian War (1878), Spanish American War (1898), World War I (1917), World War II (1941) and the Korean War (1950).

Silent Camp, in itself, is a lesson in Idaho history. After the Civil War, veterans from many states made their way to Idaho to settle. This is evident by the enlistment details on their headstones. By the time Idaho became a state in 1890, it was home to several thousand Civil War veterans. Many of the first interments in Silent Camp were veterans who passed while living in the “soldiers’ home” in Boise. Silent Camp is guarded by a large bronze figure of a Union soldier, placed there in 1923.

In 2022, the Pioneer Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) accepted the challenge of cleaning the nearly 100-year-old statue. They soon realized that not only was the statue in need of cleaning, but the marble veteran headstones were in similar condition. The project became known as the “Monumental Challenge.” From 2022-2024, 2,000 veteran headstones were cleaned first with soap and water, then treated with the biological cleaner, D2. Those headstones that required it were also releveled. Volunteers cleaned all memorials in Silent Camp, FH1 and FH2 in over 15 separate dates. These cleaning sessions were only made possible with the approval, help and guidance of Boise Parks and Recreation.

During the many cleaning sessions at Morris Hill Cemetery, it became obvious there were several graves that had no makers. Initially, years ago, many graves of veterans simply were not marked. Now, more than 100 years later, the Pioneer Chapter of the DAR researched and applied for the appropriate markers from the VA. The chapter members worked tirelessly to obtain “proof of service” searching the many historical resources including the Idaho State Archives, Fold3.com, Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.com and the archives of local newspapers. Once proof was obtained, the VA engraved and shipped the markers at no cost.

The first phase was completed during 2023. Seventeen veterans’ graves in Silent Camp were identified and marked. The headstones were installed on May 13, 2023. Seven of the new markers were “Unknown” soldiers originally buried at Old Fort Boise.

The second phase of the project occurred during 2024 in Field of Honor 2 and Silent Camp. The Pioneer Chapter completed work on 24 additional new markers. Three were in Silent Camp and 21 were flat bronze markers place in Field of Honor 2. The new memorials were dedicated on October 12, 2024. Assistance in covering the cost of installation came from Idaho’s Combat Wounded Veterans Military Order of the Purple Heart, Fort Boise Chapter and Idaho State Society Sons of the American Revolution, Idaho Veterans and Patriots Association, Vertex Pest Control, Boise Valley Monument Co., and Pioneer Chapter (NSDAR). The total funds raised was $15,760.00.

Phase three of the challenge was completed in 2025, in Field of Honor 1. Research was completed on the 36 remaining unmarked graves of Idaho veterans interred at Morris Hill Cemetery. These final memorials were dedicated on October 11, 2025. 100 percent of all eligible graves in Silent Camp, Field of Honor 1 and Field of Honor 2 are now appropriately marked. Also, four existing markers that were badly damaged were replaced. For the years to come, volunteers will care for and maintain the markers with the respect they deserve.