NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The city of North Little Rock is on a mission to preserve Arkansas history by restoring the Thomas Cemetery.
It's over a century old and is home to the remains of several civil war soldiers.
"This is Mr. J W.B Thomas. He had a farm on this land. and he donated two acres of this land in the 1870s to have a small city cemetery," fundraising chairman Lisa Winkleman said.
Now, many are worried the cemetery has been left to deteriorate.
"There's many rocks and debris that have just been piled up," Winkleman said.
The City of North Little Rock was unable to find the owner of the land so the Thomas Cemetery Advisory Committee was created to oversee the property.
It's consists of history and genealogy experts as well as concerned Arkansans who are dedicated to restoring and preserving this
cemetery.
"I've known about this cemetery since I was little. My grandparents were buried in the cemetery next to it," Winkleman said.
An estimated 700 people are buried there, but only a few tombstones can be seen.
They're hoping to use Sonar technology to identify and mark the graves.
"I think they deserve a little more respect. There are about a dozen civil war veterans. There are veterans of World War II that are buried here," chairman Betty Harp said.
Gates were put up days ago to keep drivers out, who've been using the land as a shortcut.
They're also hoping to put up a fence.
"Of course in the 1800s horse and buggy came through here. But, now cars come through here.
And, you know, they just vandalize, break stones," Winkleman said.
Fortunately, volunteers have started helping.
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief recently trimmed trees and will be removing debris.
The group is also selling a book written by a member about the history of the cemetery to raise money for their efforts.
"We're using it as a fundraiser and it has articles from the old Gazettes," Winkleman said.
Working off donations and grants, the group estimates needing about 30 thousand dollars for restoration.
"We hope down the way to get stones made, at least get them acknowledged," Winkleman said.
On the Thomas Cemetery Association Facebook page, you can find information on volunteering as well as the book the group is selling to raise donations.
If you would like to help restore Thomas Cemetery, you may email Lisa Finkleman at lwink29@gmail.com.