A small, but historic Minneapolis cemetery is in desperate need of repair. Pioneers and Soldiers Memorial Cemetery located near Lake Street and Cedar Avenue has been a final resting place since 1853.

It holds 20,000 graves, but only 2,000 markers remain.

Minnesota soldiers from the War of 1812, The Civil War and World War One rest alongside children, some wiped out by the Spanish Influenza. The cemetery is on the national register of historic places.

The gateway is crumbling and vandalism, pollution and just plain old age have taken a toll.

"You can only do so much repair work on them," said cemetery caretaker Michael Barth.

A 2,000 foot fence built in 1928 and its 3,500 pickets need repair.

"Harsh Minnesota winters, pollution from autos, wears and tears," said Minneapolis City Council Member Gary Schiff.

The $750,000 restoration will get city and state funds, but people can adopt a picket for $30 or an entire section, investing in a piece of Minnesota history.

The city hopes to start work on the project in the next couple years.