Burial at Togus National Cemetery (East): A family guide

History of Togus National Cemetery (East)

Togus National Cemetery is located in Kennebec County, in the town of Chelsea, ME, on the grounds of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical and Regional Office Center.

The name Togus comes from the Native American name Worromontogus, which means "mineral water." The Togus property was originally a summer resort called Togus Springs. It was owned and operated by Horace Beals, a wealthy granite merchant from Rockland, ME, who hoped to establish a racing and resort community like Saratoga Springs, NY. He invested over $250,000 in a hotel, stables, bowling alley, farmhouse, bathhouse, driveways and racetrack. The untimely resort opened in 1859 but failed to generate business due to the Civil War. The resort, known locally as "Beals' Folly," closed in 1863. Beals died shortly after his business failed and the government obtained the property for $50,000. The spot was selected because of its isolation from large cities, well-known spring and bargain price tag.

In 1865, as the Civil War was drawing to a close, President Abraham Lincoln signed an act establishing the National Asylum (later changed to Home) for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. The Eastern Branch at Togus was the first of these facilities to open, in November 1866.

The first veteran was admitted to Togus on November 10, 1866. The home's population remained below 400 until a building program began in 1868, which eventually provided accommodation for nearly 3,000 veterans. The facilities were organized much like a military camp with men living in barracks and wearing modified Army uniforms. Although a 100-bed hospital was completed in 1870, medical care at the home was limited, even by the standards of the day.

Notable veterans buried at Togus National Cemetery (East)

The National Cemetery Administration documents the following veterans of note buried at Togus National Cemetery (East), 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:
• Landsman John Preston (Civil War). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army on board the USS Oneida during the Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama, August 5, 1864. Preston died in 1885 and is buried in Section H, Site 456.
• Private David John Scannell (Boxer Rebellion). He received the Medal of Honor as a U.S. Marine during the Boxer Rebellion. His citation reads: "In the presence of the enemy during the action at Peking, China, 21 July to 17 August 1900. Throughout this period, Scannell distinguished himself by meritorious conduct." Scannell died as a resident of the Soldiers Home on May 7, 1923, and is buried in Section C, Site 3955.

Eligibility for burial at Togus National Cemetery (East)

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 dawn to dusk. Office Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Massachusetts National Cemetery. Open Memorial Day. Closed all other federal holidays.

How to schedule a burial at Togus National Cemetery (East)

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 Togus National Cemetery (East) at the assigned time. The cemetery handles opening, closing, and perpetual care from that point.

Where Togus National Cemetery (East) sits in the Maine cemetery system

Togus National Cemetery (East) is one of the veteran cemeteries operating in Maine. 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 Togus National Cemetery (East) is fully reserved, those alternatives are typically the next options.