Burial at Mound Cemetery Soldiers' Lot: A family guide

History of Mound Cemetery Soldiers' Lot

Mound Cemetery is located in Racine, WI, about two miles west of downtown. The site was used as a burial ground by American Indians, and a number of burial mounds are extant. Joseph (Antoine) Ouilmette, a French-Canadian fur trader, first laid claim to a large tract of land in Racine in 1834. Norman Clarke, another early settler, purchased a portion of Ouilmette's land in 1839. In turn, Clarke and James Kinzie, who had become dual owners of the property, sold a 35-acre parcel to the city of Racine in 1851 for use as a cemetery. The first interment in Mound Cemetery occurred later that year. Dr. Philo R. Hoy, a local physician, was instrumental in the development of the cemetery. Hoy conducted archaeological investigations on the burial mounds, and as a member of the cemetery committee, he influenced the design of the cemetery plan to ensure that the mounds would be preserved.

After its establishment, all of the burials within the city limits were exhumed and reburied at Mound Cemetery. Through the late 19th century, it served as the primary burial ground for many citizens, including the founder of Racine, Joseph Knapp.

The 0.03-acre soldiers' lot is located in lots 1, 5, and 6 within Mound Cemetery. The city of Racine sold these to the federal government in 1868 for $40.25. There are fourteen interments in the soldiers' lot, including one unknown soldier. The thirteen other soldiers were members of Wisconsin military units who either died at local hospitals or at nearby Camp Utley.

Notable veterans buried at Mound Cemetery Soldiers' Lot

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

• Under development.

Eligibility for burial at Mound Cemetery Soldiers' Lot

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: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed federal holidays except Memorial Day.

How to schedule a burial at Mound Cemetery Soldiers' Lot

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 Mound Cemetery Soldiers' Lot at the assigned time. The cemetery handles opening, closing, and perpetual care from that point.

Where Mound Cemetery Soldiers' Lot sits in the Wisconsin cemetery system

Mound Cemetery Soldiers' Lot is one of the veteran cemeteries operating in Wisconsin. 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 Mound Cemetery Soldiers' Lot is fully reserved, those alternatives are typically the next options.