Burial at Hot Springs National Cemetery: A family guide

History of Hot Springs National Cemetery

Hot Springs National Cemetery is located in Fall River County, SD, on the northeast edge of Hot Springs, SD.

In 1902, a National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers was approved for the Hot Springs area and construction was completed in 1907. The home was originally named the Battle Mountain Sanitarium after a nearby mountain peak. The cemetery was established for the interment of veterans who died while residing at the home. In 1930, the home became part of the Veterans Administration and, in 1973, the cemetery was one of 21 cemeteries transferred to what was then known as the National Cemetery System.

Hot Springs National Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

Monuments and Memorials The Battle Mountain Monument is a 32-foot tall obelisk tower situated on the cemetery's highest point. The monument was dedicated in 1914 in memory of the men who gave their lives in defense of the country.

Notable veterans buried at Hot Springs National Cemetery

The National Cemetery Administration documents the following veterans of note buried at Hot Springs 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:
• Lieutenant Charles L. Russell (Civil War). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company H, 93rd New York Infantry, for actions at Spotsylvania, VA, May 12, 1864. Russell died in 1910 and is buried in Section 3, Row 1, Site 12.

Eligibility for burial at Hot Springs 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 sunrise to sunset. Office Hours: Contact Black Hills National Cemetery Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed federal holidays.

How to schedule a burial at Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs National Cemetery at the assigned time. The cemetery handles opening, closing, and perpetual care from that point.

Where Hot Springs National Cemetery sits in the South Dakota cemetery system

Hot Springs National Cemetery is one of the veteran cemeteries operating in South Dakota. The cemetery is currently closed to new in-ground burials but may accept cremated remains in some cases. Families should verify status before planning.

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