Rienzi Cemetery
Introduction
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The name Rienzi may come from the last Roman tribute—Cola di Rienzi—a popular Italian leader who believed he could help restore ancient Rome’s greatness, or it may be named for an 1840 opera by Wagner. Rienzi Cemetery is one of the oldest local cemeteries, three years before Wisconsin achieved statehood.
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Backstory and Context
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The land started out as a family burial ground for the Tallmadge family, but when William Davies Tallmadge, the 19 year old son of territorial Governor Nathaniel P. Tallmadge died in 1845, Gov. Tallmadge decided to donate 8.5 acres of his land for the of a public cemetery. In the weeks leading up to his death, William selected the name for the family plot and his burial place. Rienzi Cemetery serves as the final resting place for over 1,000 veterans including Civil War General Edward Bragg and many early, local settlers including Nathaniel Tallmadge and Dr. Mason Darling, often referred to as the Father of Fond du Lac.