Forgotten Civil War veterans at a California cemetery have found a renewed sense of legacy, thanks to a dedicated college student who seeks to memorialize their contributions.
Danielle Russell, hailing from Gilroy, California, is currently a senior at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, where her commitment to honoring local heroes shines through.
“I really wanted to get involved. We had a volunteer requirement at my high school. But for me, it really wasn’t about meeting that requirement,” she said.
“I wanted to do something to make a positive impact on my community.”
With an unwavering passion for history, especially pertaining to the Civil War, Russell searched for a way to intertwine her academic pursuits and altruistic desires. Yet, her initial steps were met with hurdles.
“I originally wanted to volunteer at the local historical society. I went in and I offered them my volunteer services,” she said.
“But being that I was a high school student, given that I was only 16 years old, they said that I was too young, and I probably wouldn’t be reliable.”
Undeterred, her quest for involvement led her to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) hall, where a warm welcome awaited. A “little project” about a local veteran marked the beginning of her deep dive into forgotten stories.
Gavilan Hills Memorial Park is a cemetery in Gilroy, California, that was established in the years following the Civil War.
As she gained traction with her initial project, Russell’s focus gradually shifted to uncovering the ties between her hometown and the Civil War. It was during this exploration that her VFW supervisor revealed the existence of original 19th-century maps relating to Gavilan Hills Memorial Park. This was a eureka moment, igniting her passion further.
Russell embarked on walks through the cemetery, each visit became a journey of discovery between her studies and sports. With each gravestone she inspected, a sense of purpose solidified within her.
“Sometimes I could drag my friends along,” she said, “they were more than happy to help me with the project, even if history wasn’t their thing.”
With meticulous attention, Russell set out to refine the original maps, rectifying errors and filling in blanks. Initially, the count of Civil War veterans at the cemetery stood at around 20 from a total of 300. This figure quickly grew as she diligently documented names and vital information of those who served.
Feeding her findings into online platforms like Ancestry and Find A Grave, the veteran tally blossomed to over 500. Today, 64 confirmed Civil War veterans rest in Gavilan Hills Memorial Park.
With her revised list, Russell passionately dedicated herself to honoring these brave men and women.
“Many of these veterans were buried without family headstones to indicate their service,” she explained. “So, I raised roughly $11,000, enabling us to purchase 11 headstones and 70 service medallions.”
“I am the last person to remember their names, to remember their lives.”
Russell’s effort honored the sacrifices of veterans from the Mexican-American War through World War I. She displayed sensitivity, deliberately avoiding recent veterans’ graves, recognizing that many still had family members nearby.
“A lot of these men and women don’t have family left in the area,” she reflected, “so I feel I am the last person to remember their names, to remember their lives.”
This act of remembrance is profoundly meaningful to Russell.
“The recognition they deserve is pivotal, as it immortalizes their contributions for generations to come,” she stated.
Building a Legacy: Crafting a Searchable Database
Following high school, Russell’s journey took her across the country to Gettysburg College. Her hometown project hit a pause button, but her resolve remained unwavering. Recently, she rallied two classmates and a supportive professor to transform her project into a robust database.
“We began researching these men and women, filling out the spreadsheets, and we’re nearing completion,” she shared excitedly.
This digital repository will house profiles for each veteran, complete with searchable tabs and tags, encapsulating their lives and service.
Once finalized, Russell plans to meticulously map the burial sites of these veterans. This action aims to ensure they receive the honor they deserve during memorial ceremonies, such as Wreaths Across America, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day.
The Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College lauded Russell’s efforts as a “true labor of love.” Her role as a student fellow allows her to intertwine her academic growth with this impactful project.
“We could not be prouder of Danielle for her enormous accomplishments with this project.”
Working on this endeavor for six years has gifted Russell a sense of pride and fulfillment.
“The stories I’ve gathered really resonate with me. I feel as though I’ve adopted some of these individuals and their lives,” she confessed.
“It’s a responsibility I willingly bear,” Russell emphasized, “to remember them and honor their legacies.”
“Until these stories are accessible to the public, I don’t feel I have completed my duty. The excitement to share these narratives is immense,” she added, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
