Alabama National Cemetery

Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026

History of Alabama National Cemetery

With the passage of the National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2003, Congress directed the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish six new national cemeteries in areas with at least 170,000 residents not currently served by burial locations for veterans, including central Alabama.

At the time NCA purchased the site of Alabama National Cemetery, the property was used for agricultural purposes. Alabama National Cemetery was formally dedicated in 2008, and opened for burials the following year. Alabama National Cemetery is the third national cemetery built in the state and the 129th in the national cemetery system. The first burials commenced on June 25, 2009.

In 2011, Alabama National Cemetery completed construction of the cemetery support facilities including the Public Information Center, main entrance with Avenue of Flags, memorial wall with flag circle, offices and maintenance facilities, columbarium, committal shelters, and memorial walkway. The design and layout received an honor award from the Alabama Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Prior to development and use as a national cemetery, the land had a long and culturally-varied history. During the Colonial period the Muskogee tribe, also known as the Creeks, lived in central Alabama. By the early 19th century, European-American encroachment led to a division within the Creek society between a partially-assimilated faction, and those that sought to return to their traditional culture and religion. Tensions culminated in the Creek War (1813–1814) which began as a tribal civil war but became intertwined with the War of 1812 when the U.S. government allied with the assimilated Creeks. The Creek War ended with the Treaty of Fort Jackson, which ceded much of the tribal territory in Georgia and Alabama to the United States.

Four years after taking control of the territory the Alabama Territorial General Assembly created Shelby County from some of the former Creek Indian territory on February 7, 1818. Shelby County was named after Isaac Shelby, Revolutionary War hero and first governor of Kentucky. Alabama became a state one year later in 1819.

Abundant iron and coal deposits are found throughout Shelby County. As early as the 1820s, settlers began to establish small-scale forges to smith iron ore. Production gradually increased in the coming decades, and during the Civil War local iron works produced war materiel for the Confederacy. Nevertheless, the county's economy was predominantly agricultural; growing primarily cotton.

By the early 20th century, labor-intensive cotton production gave way to a more diversified set of crops; corn, wheat, peanuts, and soybeans were typical.

The population of Shelby County began to grow steadily in the 1970s, as new housing developments were constructed for workers commuting into Birmingham, the largest city in the state. In the following decades growth accelerated; from 1970 to 2010, the county's population quadrupled. The rapid population growth included veterans, which led to a need for the national cemetery. At the time of the 2006 nationwide study, Alabama had the largest number per capita of active and retired military servicemen and women outside of a "reasonable proximity" to a national cemetery.

Notable interments

Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Alabama National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.

Eligibility for burial at Alabama 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.

Request eligibility status for:

Veteran or servicemember Spouse Dependent family member Apply online »

Burial in a VA national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces who have met a minimum active duty service requirement and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

Directions

From Interstate 65, take Exit 234 (Shelby County Airport). Turn left on Hwy 87 (this turns into Hwy 12). Travel on Hwy 12 (approximately 1.5 miles to stop sign). Turn right on Hwy 22. Travel 2.8 miles to traffic light. Turn left on Hwy 119 South. Travel 1.3 miles, the cemetery will be on the right.

Floral and grounds policy

Our cemetery floral regulations exist only to reflect the honor and respect we hold for our Nation's Veterans, by preserving the dignity and solemnity of their final resting place.

Floral arrangements accompanying the casket or urn at the time of burial will be placed as follows, a maximum of three will be placed on the grave and the remainder will be placed at a central location.

Weapons policy

VA regulations 38 CFR 1.218 prohibit the carrying of firearms (either openly or concealed), explosives or other dangerous or deadly weapons while on VA property, except for official purposes, such as military funeral honors.

Possession of firearms on any property under the charge and control of VA is prohibited. Offenders may be subject to a fine, removal from the premises, or arrest.

Education and visiting programs

We are developing educational content for this national cemetery, and will post new materials as they become available. Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.

return to top

Nearest cemeteries

The three closest veteran cemeteries to Alabama National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):

• Fort McClellan EPW Cemetery — Anniston, AL (72 mi · closed)
• Fort McClellan Post Cemetery — Anniston, AL (110 mi · closed)
• Fort Mitchell National Cemetery — Fort Mitchell, AL (118 mi · open)

Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes

The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Alabama National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.