Forest Cemetery tour set for Sunday

The Coeur d'Alene Public Library - in partnership with the parks department - will lead a tour of the historic Forest Cemetery at 10 a.m. Sunday at Forest Cemetery.

Located at 1011 Government Way, the cemetery was originally owned by the U.S. Army from 1878 to 1901, and used by Fort Sherman troops. The remains of about 100 soldiers and their families were moved to Fort Wright near Spokane in 1901 when Fort Sherman closed.

A proclamation by President Theodore Roosevelt deeded the original one-acre parcel and surrounding 19.7 acres to the city of Coeur d'Alene in 1905.

Forest Cemetery is the final resting place of Ed Pulaski, early day Forest Ranger and a hero of the Big Burn of 1910, and other historic local figures. At the gravesite, Forest Service historian Steve Coady will discuss Pulaski and the role of the Forest Service in responding to the great fire.

The tour will last about an hour and will involve walking hilly areas. Parking will be limited and participants are encouraged to carpool, walk, or ride bicycles to the site.

Anyone needing accommodation is asked to call 769-2315.