The unique sight of a historic cemetery within the Publix parking lot in Orlando, Florida.
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Sponsor Our ArticlesOrlando’s Publix Supermarket, located along Daryl Carter Parkway, hides a remarkable history beneath its parking lot: a historic cemetery. This cemetery is the final resting place of two Union soldiers from the Civil War, whose legacies were rediscovered thanks to local efforts. The story reveals the delicate balance between commercial progress and honoring historical significance, providing a unique perspective on the area’s development.
Orlando, Florida, might be well-known for its sunny weather and thrilling theme parks, but did you know that one of its Publix Supermarkets has a unique twist? Nestled in the bustling Town Center along Daryl Carter Parkway, the parking lot of this supermarket features an unexpected sight: a historic cemetery!
This cemetery, which occupies a surprising 500 square feet, is the final resting place for two Union soldiers from the American Civil War. These brave men, Washington Ludwig of the First New York Light Artillery and Charles H. Foster of the Third Massachusetts Cavalry, have laid to rest on this site since the 1920s.
Scott Henderson, a former land planner, became involved with the cemetery back in the 1970s, a time when the surrounding area was mostly empty. Seeing the potential and the history that lay within, Henderson took it upon himself to file a claim for the cemetery property under the relatively unknown adverse possession laws. This intriguing legal loophole allows someone to claim ownership after occupying a piece of land for at least seven years.
Fast forward to 2010, and a significant event took place—a rededication ceremony for the cemetery was organized, bringing attention back to these soldiers and their story. Henderson, along with the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, worked hard to honor the memory of these fallen heroes. At that time, the cemetery also saw some careful upgrades. Originally, the headstones lay flat on the ground, making them vulnerable to theft. To combat this issue, new designs were created that allowed the headstones to stand upright—an effort to both honor the memory of the soldiers and protect these significant markers of history.
However, not every story ends on a positive note. One of the headstones was notably stolen in the late 1980s, around Halloween, only to mysteriously reappear a few weeks later. While it might sound like something from a fictional tale, this incident showcased the importance of these headstones to the local community.
After living in the area for nearly three decades, Henderson sold the land to a developer and moved north. Yet, one of his primary wishes was to ensure that the cemetery remained a place of respect and reflection amid the forthcoming commercial development. A key part of the sale was an agreement with the new landowner to maintain the cemetery’s integrity. This included adding a beautiful memorial obelisk and an elegant wrought-iron fence around the site to preserve its significance.
With this commitment in place, the nearby O-Town West shopping center began to take shape, eventually becoming home to the newly opened Publix Supermarket in 2022. The shopping center also features a variety of restaurants and shops, like Jersey Mike’s Subs and Gator’s Dockside, bringing vibrancy and life to the area.
The unique juxtaposition of a supermarket and a historic cemetery might raise some eyebrows, but it serves as a reminder that no matter how much the world changes around us, the past remains a treasured part of our history. So, the next time you find yourself shopping at Publix in Orlando, take a moment to consider the rich history that lies just beneath your feet. You might just find a newfound respect for this unlikely blend of commerce and commemoration!
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