Help came from the state's Office of Administration after the Jefferson City Cemetery Resources Board requested a partnership to maintain the state burial lot inside the Old City/Woodland Cemetery.
The rectangle lot along the north side fence holds dozens of early county representatives, Missouri officials and a governor.
The board has been looking for partners, like the Lincoln University ROTC, to help restore the nearly two-century-old burial grounds. The Lincoln soldiers have been working in the section closest to Chestnut Street, where the majority of black burials are.
The Office of Administration staff last week uncovered the original raised edges of the state burial lot, mulched the walkway and laid sod around the large, flat markers.
"Going forward, the Office of Administration will attend to the area two to three times a year to ensure that the site is properly maintained," said spokesman Ryan Burns.
The office "looks forward to contributing to the preservation of this piece of state and local history."
City staff received immediate response from the Office of Administration this winter when asking for help in this location dedicated to state dignitaries and paid for many years ago by state dollars.
"This is a big thing," said Dave Grellner, city environmental health manager. "I give credit to Cathy Brown for taking it on and helping out."
Grellner particularly was enthusiastic about the office's open-ended communication, leaving the door open for skilled landscaping on an ongoing basis.
"Our overall plan as a cemetery is to do one piece at a time," Grellner said. "Their enthusiasm in showing this place's history is worthy will hopefully draw others to help."
Board chairman Nancy Thompson agreed: "Lincoln University has taken on their part. It's too big of a project for any one organization."
At its regular meeting Thursday, the board also identified 13 headstones most in need of costly repairs. A longer list of stones in need of rehabilitation is part of the board's long-term goals.
The board hopes to recruit more support, funds and volunteers through its upcoming event dedicating a new marker for governor's daughter Carrie Crittenden and a walking tour of the cemetery with docents in period costume.
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