With the onset of the Civil War in April 1861, 700,000 soldiers would die on both sides in the next four years.  It was not until 11 September before the War Department began to have commanding officers keep records of deceased soldiers.  At the same time, the Quartermaster General became responsible for tending to the needs of soldiers in death.  Each grave marked with a headboard.  Not long after, the graves gained numbers on the headboards and recorded in a register.