Since 1852, Oak Grove Cemetery has served as one of the most scenic cemeteries in La Crosse, WI. It has a rich history, and with over 30,000 internments, it’s the resting place of countless famous figures. The walking tour throughout their stunning grounds features some of the area’s most significant historical sites, including Civil War monuments and related memorials. One of the most famous is the C.C. Washburn Monument, and below, you’ll find the story behind this integral part of the cemetery.

Your Guide to the C.C. Washburn Monument

Who Was C.C. Washburn?

Cadwallader C. Washburn was a Union General in the Civil War. He was born in 1818 and died in 1882. While alive, he proudly served in the war and later became a successful businessman, establishing Washburn Mills in Minneapolis with his brother. It would later be known as General Mills, one the leading U.S. food companies. He also played an important civic role, funding the Public Library in La Crosse and contributing to educational organizations throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. In 1866, he was elected as a congressman and re-elected in 1868. He would later be elected governor of Wisconsin in 1871, continuing a legacy of undying devotion to his town, state, and country.

What Is the Monument?

The C.C. Washburn Monument is the tallest in Oak Grove Cemetery, with its primary obelisk standing at 45-feet tall. The giant base weighs 22 tons, and the obelisk weighs 40 tons. It was designed and erected by Smith Granite Works of Rhode Island in 1885, and a temporary railroad track had to be laid in the cemetery to move it into place. It commemorates an important person in La Crosse history, making it a focal point of Oak Grove Cemetery.

Oak Grove Cemetery is proud to offer comprehensive burial services to its customers alongside walking tours of their extraordinary grounds. Their staff is happy to help with selecting burial plots and grave monuments, and can also coordinate burial arrangements with funeral home directors and families of the deceased. To schedule a consultation, call (608) 782-6956 or reach out online today.