Burial at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery: A family guide

History of Fort Mitchell National Cemetery

Fort Mitchell is located south of Phenix City in Alabama, adjacent to the state-owned and operated Fort Mitchell Park. The Georgia Militia originally constructed Fort Mitchell in order to sustain a military presence in the area during the Creek War of 1813 to 1814. Shortly after the fort's completion, the Georgia Militia launched an attack against the British at Tuckabatchie and Hothlewali. The militia was ambushed and driven back to Fort Mitchell by a combined force of Creeks and British. Thereafter, until 1825, a small force continued to garrison at the fort.

From 1817 to 1825, Fort Mitchell gradually emerged as a center of commerce for trade with Native Americans. In 1817, a trading house, or factory, was established where produced goods were available to local tribes at prices below what they could otherwise afford. In 1818, a post office was added to the newly extended Federal Road that crossed through Fort Mitchell from Augusta, GA, and westward into the Alabama frontier.

In 1821, an Indian agency was created at Fort Mitchell, and Colonel John Crowell was appointed agent to the Creeks. While Crowell managed the agency, his brother, Thomas, ran the tavern, which later served as an officer's quarters.

Fort Mitchell became central to the protection of Native Americans as settlers consistently violated the Creek territory as defined under terms of the 1814 Treaty of Fort Jackson. In response to Native American protests, a new fort was constructed and occupied by the 4th U.S. Infantry in summer 1825, and it remained garrisoned almost continually through 1840. The second fort encompassed the first, and while much larger, was similar in design.

Notable veterans buried at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery

The National Cemetery Administration documents the following veterans of note buried at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded in the cemetery's official register.

• Medal of Honor The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. Recipients receive the Medal of Honor from the President on behalf of Congress. It was first awarded during the Civil War and the eligibility criteria, medal design, and recognition on a recipients' grave marker have all evolved over time. There are 434 Medal of Honor recipients interred at VA national cemeteries including 6 double recipients.
• » Medal of Honor recipients interred or memorialized here:
• Sergeant Matthew Leonard (Vietnam). Matthew Leonard was born November 26, 1929, in Alabama. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in Birmingham about 1949. Sergeant Leonard served in Korea and Vietnam. He was killed in action on February 28, 1967, when his platoon came under attack. Leonard organized a defense, protected the wounded, galvanized his men, and charged the enemy position. Although injured, he destroyed the enemy and propped himself against a tree to continue the fight. He died there. He received the Medal of Honor for bravery and risk of life beyond the call of duty. Initially interred in Birmingham's Shadow Lawn Cemetery, his remains were moved to Fort Mitchell National Cemetery in 2000, Section 14, Site 27.
• Other Burials: SSG Eric Dwayne Cottrell (Iraq). Cottrell (1968–2007) hailed from Pittsview, AL and joined the U.S. Army in 2004. He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and died of wounds suffered when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. Cottrell's awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, National Defense Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and a posthumous Bronze Star. (Section 12, Site 10)
• PVT Solona B. Waggoner (World War II). Waggoner (1905–1987) was from Paducah, KY. During World War II she enlisted in the Women's Army Corps (WAC), the all-female branch of the U.S. Army created to "free a man to fight" by fulfilling vital roles needed to support the war effort. After the war, Waggoner had three sons and three daughters and passed away at the age of 82 in Bessemer, AL. (Section 2, Site 1195)

Eligibility for burial at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery

Planning ahead for a Veteran's or loved-one's final resting place can eliminate unnecessary delays and reduce stress on a family at a difficult time.

The Department of Veterans Affairs covers the grave plot, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government-furnished headstone or marker, and a U.S. burial flag at no cost to eligible families.

Visiting hours

Visitation Hours: Open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed federal holidays except Memorial Day and Veterans Day. VA will continue its practice of honoring special requests for weekend burials for religious purposes, in cases of service members killed in action and on at least one day of any three-day Federal holiday weekend at all open VA national cemeteries.

How to schedule a burial at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery

1. The funeral home or family contacts the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 (24/7 for active funeral arrangements).
2. Provide the veteran's full name, date of birth, social security number, dates of service, branch, and date of death.
3. Fax or email the DD-214 to the cemetery's interment office for verification.
4. Once eligibility is confirmed (typically 30–60 minutes for complete documentation), the cemetery assigns a date, time, and committal shelter.
5. The funeral home transports the deceased to Fort Mitchell National Cemetery at the assigned time. The cemetery handles opening, closing, and perpetual care from that point.

Where Fort Mitchell National Cemetery sits in the Alabama cemetery system

Fort Mitchell National Cemetery is one of the veteran cemeteries operating in Alabama. The cemetery is currently accepting new in-ground and columbarium interments. Families should verify status before planning.

For families considering alternatives, the nearest veteran cemeteries appear in our cemetery sidebar. If Fort Mitchell National Cemetery is fully reserved, those alternatives are typically the next options.