Burial at St. Augustine National Cemetery: A family guide

History of St. Augustine National Cemetery

St. Augustine National Cemetery is located in St. Johns County, in the city of St. Augustine, adjacent to what is now the headquarters of the Florida National Guard.

Although the St. Augustine burial ground was not designated a national cemetery until 1881, this hallowed site played a vital role in the colorful history of the oldest city in the nation. St. Augustine was originally established in the 17th century as a Spanish colonial possession. The land that is now a national cemetery was part of a Franciscan monastery, and the southern boundary marks the periphery of the old Spanish-walled city. During England's rule of Florida from 1763 to 1783, the monastery was occupied by the military. During the second Spanish occupation of Florida, from 1783 to 1821, the property remained in the hands of the military.

When the United States gained possession of Florida in 1821, the old fort barracks was set aside for a post cemetery. According to historical records, the first interment took place in 1828. Most early burials were soldiers who died during the "Indian War," either in battle or due to sickness and disease—not uncommon in Florida's subtropical climate. The native Seminoles resisted the U.S. government's attempts to forcibly remove them from their territory and seven years of fighting ensued.

On December 23, 1835, Maj. Francis L. Dade and his company were ordered to reinforce Gen. Wiley Thompson's troops stationed at Fort King, Ocala. During the trek from Tampa to Fort King, Dade, believing there was no threat as they passed through Seminole-controlled territory, failed to take appropriate precautions. The heavy winter garments of the soldiers covered their weapons, so that when the Seminoles staged an attack, Dade's troops were virtually wiped out—only two or three soldiers survived. A few months later, when travel in the area was again possible, the massacred soldiers were buried at the site.

Notable veterans buried at St. Augustine National Cemetery

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

• James William Dell was born in Kentucky in 1876. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 1897 and fought in the Spanish American War and World War I. Cited for gallantry in action, Staff Sergeant Dell was selected to serve as a pallbearer for the interment of the Unknown Soldier of World War I at Arlington National Cemetery, a ceremony held on November 11, 1921. Dell retired at the rank of master sergeant after 32 years. As a civilian, Dell was appointed the first superintendent of Zachary Taylor National Cemetery (KY) and later oversaw St. Augustine National Cemetery (FL). He died July 28, 1968, and is buried in St. Augustine National Cemetery (Section C, Site 205).
• Alabama native David Moniac was the first American Indian to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. A Creek Indian, he graduated in 1822 and reenlisted in the army during the Indian Wars. Maj. Moniac was the only officer killed during the Battle at Wahoo Swamp in Sumter County, Florida, on November 21, 1836. Moniac's remains were buried with others, including the victims of Dade's Massacre (1835), a watershed event in the Second Seminole War. These graves at St. Augustine National Cemetery are marked by the Dade Monument, a trio of pyramids dedicated August 14, 1842. He is also memorialized at Florida National Cemetery (Section MD, Site 1).

Eligibility for burial at St. Augustine 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 Jacksonville National Cemetery at 904-766-5222 for information.

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

Where St. Augustine National Cemetery sits in the Florida cemetery system

St. Augustine National Cemetery is one of the veteran cemeteries operating in Florida. 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 St. Augustine National Cemetery is fully reserved, those alternatives are typically the next options.