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Listed in Civil War, Historical landmark, Monument, Notable People, Ohio River Scenic Byway, Visited by Old Folks Adventures

• 1408 County Road 550 South
  Mount Vernon, Indiana 47620

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Description

The grave of Alvin Peterson Hovey (1821–1891) honors one of Indiana's most distinguished nineteenth-century political and military leaders. Buried in Bellefontaine Cemetery in Mount Vernon, Hovey served his state and nation in a remarkable variety of roles, including attorney, judge, diplomat, Union general during the Civil War, member of Congress, and the 21st Governor of Indiana.

Born in Posey County, Hovey studied law before entering public service. Prior to the Civil War, he served as a circuit judge and later as United States Minister to Peru under President James Buchanan. When the Civil War erupted, Hovey resigned his diplomatic post and returned home to help organize Union troops.

Commissioned as a brigadier general, Hovey distinguished himself in the Western Theater, participating in major campaigns including the battles of Battle of Shiloh, the Siege of Vicksburg, and other operations that helped secure Union control of the Mississippi River. His leadership earned him promotion to major general, and after the war he resumed his legal and political career, eventually serving in Congress before being elected Governor of Indiana in 1888.

Today, Hovey's final resting place serves as a reminder of the important role Posey County played in both Indiana and national history. Visitors interested in the Civil War, Indiana politics, or the history of the Western Theater will find this an important stop while exploring Mount Vernon's historic sites.

Historical References / Learn More

Indiana Historical Bureau – Historical information on Alvin P. Hovey and Indiana governors.
Indiana State Library – Indiana Governors Collection and biographical records.
National Park Service – Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System (General Alvin P. Hovey).
U.S. House of Representatives – Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
HMdb – Entries relating to Alvin P. Hovey and Bellefontaine Cemetery, where available.

Listing Tags

Alvin P. Hovey, Bellefontaine Cemetery, civil war, Civil War General, Congressman, Governor of Indiana, Historic Cemetery, Historic Grave, Indiana History, Military History, Mount Vernon Indiana, Posey County, Union Army, Western Theater

Street

1408 County Road 550 South

Latitude

37.958218

Longitude

-87.898562

Country

USA

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