The Confederate Army established a soldier's home and hospital here from 1863 to 1865 as part of the CSA Camp Winn Training Site. After fleeing Civil War destruction in Vicksburg, MS, Father Leray and the Sisters of Mercy staffed the hospital and brought many wounded and sick Confederate soldiers with them by train. This existing public cemetery was expanded for soldiers who died of battle wounds and illnesses, and civilian burials continued until 1921.