Fort McPherson National Cemetery

Fort McPherson National Cemetery is a military burial ground in Lincoln County spanning multiple acres with more than 10,000 graves marked by white headstones in organized rows. The grounds also feature several monuments and buildings dedicated to administration and historical records.

The cemetery was established in 1863 as a burial ground for soldiers who served along the Oregon and California Trails. It also consolidates remains from smaller frontier forts that were deactivated during the mid-1800s.

The cemetery holds remains from 23 frontier fort cemeteries, including those of Buffalo Soldiers from the 9th and 10th Cavalry regiments. These soldiers were instrumental in securing early western settlements and the routes that connected them.

The grounds are open to visitors daily from sunrise to sunset, with directional signs and information boards placed throughout the cemetery. The experience is most pleasant during cooler weather when walking the open grounds feels comfortable.

A marble monument on the grounds honors soldiers who died during the Grattan massacre of 1854. This event marked a turning point in relations between the US Army and the indigenous peoples of the region.