and
Battleground
Madison County
Jackson, Tn.
Formally established in 1825, the cemetery was actually in use about 1800. Fifty acres of virgin land were donated be the Woolfork family for use as a public park, campground, and cemetery. During the 1850's and before, the area was used for week-long "camp meetings" where revival services were held nightly. Originally, the cemetery was enclosed by a heavy iron fence that was partially destroyed during the batle fought here in December, 1862. Pieces of this fence are frequently found just after rain washes away the topsoil.
Many of Madison County's more prominent founders are buried here in unmarked graves due to vandals removing the stone markers as well as deterioration of original wood tombstones. Bullet marks can be found on many of the remaining stones. The most famous person buired here is Adam Huntsman, the man who defeated Davy Crockett for Congress in 1836. Three of Huntsman's wives are buried next to him, and these graves originally had an iron fence around them.
Restoration of the cemetery was done by the John Ingram Camp, Sons Of Confederate Veterans. The restored entrance way, inlay battle map, flagpole, and other improvements were dedicated in December, 1994 on the anniversary of the Battle of Salem Cemetery. The flags flying over the site are the 1st Confederate National Flag and the American Flag of 1862.
Salem Cemetery Battlefield Association
John B. Ingram, Camp 219, Sons of Confederate Veterans
