This cemetery was the scene of the culmination of the Battle of Marianna on September 27, 1864, when Union troops defeated Confederate forces, consisting mainly of Marianna Home Guard militia, during fighting among the graves.

The adjacent St. Luke's Episcopal Church was burned by Union troops during the battle. Rebuilt twice after the Civil War, the present church building displays the original pulpit Bible in a glass case which, according to local tradition, was saved from the burning church by Union Major Nathan Cutler of the 2nd Maine Cavalry.

The cemetery contains the remains of 40 Southern officials and soldiers, including Florida Civil War Governor John Milton, Confederate District Court Judge George S. Hawkins, Confederate Army Surgeon Dr. Julius T. Holden, and several Confederate soldiers who participated in the Battle of Marianna.

Information Provided by Florida Department of State.