Program

Patriot Burials®

Subject

Cemetery, People, Site

Location

3770 Dallas County 84, Jones, AL 36749, USA

Lat/Long

32.51784, -86.93002

Grant Recipient

Tennessee Valley Chapter- Sons of the American Revolution- ALABAMA

The origins of the American Revolution can be traced back to 1775, when the first shots were fired between colonial and British forces at the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Soon after, the American Colonies declared their independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. As the newly formed United States went to war with Great Britain, hundreds of men across the Thirteen Colonies joined the fight. These men came from different walks of life; some were farmers, others were tradesmen, lawyers, doctors, and merchants. Despite their differences they desired the same thing: freedom and independence. Colonial forces faced severe challenges, including lack of supplies and military training; however, in the face of obstacles they were undeterred. After nearly 8 years the colonies defeated Great Britain and successfully achieved their independence. It is important to remember the lives and sacrifices made by those who fought for American freedom. 

Pea Ridge Cemetery is the final resting place of many of the community’s early residents. Among those buried there is Revolutionary Veteran private William Kirkland, who served in the South Carolina Line in support of the Revolutionary cause.  

In addition, a monument erected by a local DAR chapter in honor of James Porter, who served as a private in North Carolina during the War, is in the cemetery and implies the possibility that he is interred there as well. As of 2023, however, no primary evidence contemporary to Porter’s life proving his burial at Pea Ridge has been identified.