The only Civil War cemetery in Nevada is located near Downtown Reno, at the corner of 10th and Angel Street.  The Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery dates back to 1890 and is the final resting place for Nevada's civil war veterans.

"To us. it's where our fallen brothers lie," said Jeff Gundersen, Vice Commander of American Legion Post 1 in Reno.  "It ties us to our past because if we forget our past we're destined to repeat it."

The cemetery had been neglected and vandalized over the years.  Recently, the American Legion partnered with the Nevada Chapter of the Associated General Contractors to give it a new look.

"The grounds have been refurbished, weed abatement has been done, and the entranceway - which was falling apart - has been beautifully restored to better than it ever was," Gundersen said. 

A dozen local contractors donated time and materials for the project.

"Congressman Amodei called us and said he'd like to see a new entryway for the Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery," said Crag Madole, CEO of the Nevada Chapter of Associated General Contractors.   "It's the state's only Civil War cemetery and we were looking for a community service project to celebrate our 80th year here in Reno.  This just seemed to be a nice way to honor our veterans and give back to our community."

American Legion Post One works with a local Boy Scout troop to maintain the historic site.

"It's a miraculous change and what's happened, because it's so much nicer looking, is we have had less problems with vandalism and people throwing bottles and cans," Gundersen said.  "Hands on is the best learning and these young men get to go up there, read these tombstones and understand what these men gave this country."

The cemetery is registered as Nevada Historical Marker 79: https://noehill.com/nv_washoe/nev0079.asp