Drawing from the historical pilgrimages to the Western Front of WWI, this virtual pilgrimage is intended to connect us with sites that were meaningful to the Yankee Division during, and after, their service in France. The site is an ongoing collaboration amongst all those interested in the memory of the soldiers, their family stories, the places from which they originated, and the historical and cultural contexts of WWI. More about the history...
The virtual pilgrimage is scaffolded by a digital archive of the soldiers who are memorialized on wall panels within the Belleau Church. We are working to link data for every soldier on the wall panels as well as the countless names etched on the cave walls captured in our panoramas. Our site currently has over 70 ultra high-resolution panoramic images across five sites from the Western Front. High-resolution 3D data has also been captured at each site for digital preservation and future virtual pilgrimage experiences. More about the project...
Virtual Pilgrimage Sites
Belleau Church - Exterior
The original Belleau Church was destroyed by artillery fire in July, 1918. The YD veterans funded the church to be rebuilt across the road from the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery. The church is both an active house of worship and the 26th Division Memorial, with over 2700 names of war dead inscribed on wall panels inside the church.
Belleau Church - Interior
The original Belleau Church was destroyed by artillery fire in July, 1918. The YD veterans funded the church to be rebuilt across the road from the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery. The church is both an active house of worship and the 26th Division Memorial, with over 2700 names of war dead inscribed on wall panels inside the church.
Aisne-Marne American Cemetery
The Aisne-Marne American Cemetery is located in Belleau, and is one of 26 American military cemeteries administered by the American Battle Monuments Commission. The cemetery contains over 2200 graves of individuals who perished during WWI.
Froidmont Quarry
This former limestone quarry is located near the village of Braye-en-Laonnois, in the Chemin des Dames area. It is a subterranean, low ceiling quarry full of multinational graffiti. The cave housed French, German, and American troops (to include YD soldiers) during the four years of WWI.
Vauxaillon Cave Stairs
This cave, near Laon, housed French, German, and American troops (to include YD soldiers) during the four years of WWI. It is located on private land.
St. Blaise Cave
This cave housed French, German, and American troops (to include YD soldiers) during the four years of WWI. It is located on private land near Laon.
