On August 10, 1894 the Soldier's Lot was dedicated by the Mathies Post #5 Iowa Department of the Grand Army of the Republic.  This day also marked Battle Flag Day in Iowa.  Battle Flag Day was a celebration marking the removal of Civil War Battle Flags from an armory to the state capital building.  The day also celebrated the Battle of Wilson's Creek, the first major engagement of Iowa troops.  At the time of the dedication of the Soldier's Lot one burial had occurred in this hallowed ground, that of Thomas B. Manuel.  The ground was donated by the Aspen Grove Cemetery Association for the burial of indigent Civil War soldiers.