Eagle Scout candidate leads a Civil War headstone restoration project at Bluff City Cemetery

On Aug. 10, Bluff City Cemetery in Elgin was the site of a historical restoration project led by Eagle Scout candidate Drew Douglas of BSA Troop 13 of the Three Fires Council in St. Charles.

Sponsored by the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War General Philip H. Sheridan Camp No. 2 out of Aurora, the project focused on preserving the memory of Civil War veterans by replacing two damaged beyond-repair headstones with new ones, along with resetting of sunken stones ensuring these soldiers’ final resting places are appropriately honored for generations to come.

Drew’s project attracted the participation of 21 dedicated volunteers who collectively contributed 85 hours of hands-on work.

The team reset 13 headstones, cleaned 45 others, and installed two new headstones for Civil War veterans whose original markers were broken.

This undertaking required more than 175 hours of planning, preparation, and execution.

Drew researched the proper methods for cleaning and resetting headstones, coordinated with cemetery officials, and gathered the necessary materials and volunteers to ensure the project’s success.

Drew reflected on the experience, saying, “This project stuck out to me. Respect for veterans has always been important to me; my grandfathers served, and my great-great-grandfather was a Civil War veteran. Working on this project with Mr. Clark from the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Camp Phillip H. Sheridan Camp No. 2, has been more than I could ask for. With the help of many volunteers from Troop 13 in St. Charles and the Sons of Union Veterans, we could complete the project in a day."

Matt Clark, Illinois Department Eagle Scout Coordinator and member of Camp #2, also emphasized the importance of this work, stating, "Resetting, cleaning, and replacing these headstones is not just about maintaining a cemetery; it’s about preserving our history and ensuring that the sacrifices made by those who served are remembered with the respect they deserve. Projects like Drew’s are vital in keeping the memory of these soldiers alive for future generations."

Thanks to Drew’s leadership and the collective efforts of all involved, Bluff City Cemetery now stands as a more respectful and accurate testament to those who served in the Civil War.

This project exemplifies the enduring value of scouting in fostering leadership, community involvement, and civic responsibility among young people.