Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Albany Rural Cemetery Soldiers' Lot
Albany Rural Cemetery is located in the city of Albany, New York, on an elevated plateau overlooking the Hudson River. The cemetery was established as a result of a public reaction to overcrowded and deteriorating church burial grounds in the state's capital. The citizens sought a "rural cemetery" outside the city proper, which was incorporated on April 2, 1841. Albany Rural, true to its name, opened Oct. 7, 1844, and it remains one of the oldest examples of this style of picturesque cemeteries in the country. The cemetery, now 467 acres, is the last resting place for the 21st U.S. president, Chester Arthur, along with legions of national and state politicians.
The Albany Rural Soldiers' Lot is located in Lot 7, Section 75. Although no deed was located, the 0.16-acre lot was donated to the federal government by the Albany Cemetery Association on June 17, 1862, for the "burial of soldiers who have fallen or may fall in the Civil War." The majority of burials consist of soldiers who died of injury or illness in hospitals around Albany during the Civil War. The last of the 149 interments was made in 1897.
Albany Rural Cemetery, including the National Cemetery Administration's soldiers' lot, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in October 1979.
Monuments and Memorials About 1873, the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) erected a monument to remember local men who lost their lives during the Civil War. The 15-foot-tall GAR Monument is composed of a bronze figure of a Civil War soldier atop a granite shaft, adorned on each side with bronze inscription plaques listing the names of those who died during the Civil War. On the front of the shaft there is an oval bas-relief portrait of Abraham Lincoln, signed "Pickett 1873."
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Albany Rural Cemetery Soldiers' Lot, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Under Development.
Eligibility for burial at Albany Rural 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.
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
Take New York Thruway to Exit 23. Take 787 North for approximately 3-4 miles to 378 West (Watervliet). Take first exit off 378 (Route 32). Turn right on Route 32. The cemetery entrance is on the left. The Soldiers' Lot is located in Lot 7, Section 75.
Floral and grounds policy
Rules and regulations play an important part in the beautification and preservation of the resting places. They are intended not as restraining, but rather as defining an orderly plan of operation, care and permanent maintenance.
The cemetery reserves the right to remove all flowers, wreaths and other decorations from lots as soon as they become unsightly.
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
More than half of VA's national cemeteries originated with the Civil War and many are closed to some burials. Other sites were established to serve World War veterans and they continue to expand. Historic themes related with NCA's cemeteries and soldiers' lots vary, but visitors should understand "Why is it here?" NCA began by installing interpretive signs, or waysides, at more than 100 properties to observe the Civil War Sesquicentennial (2011–2015). Please follow the links below to see the interpretive signs for Albany Rural Soldiers' Lot.
A National Cemetery System Albany Rural Soldiers' Lot Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to Albany Rural Cemetery Soldiers' Lot (by straight-line distance):
- Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery — Schuylerville, NY (23 mi · open)
- Prospect Hill Cemetery Soldiers' Lot — Brattleboro, VT (60 mi · closed)
- Massachusetts State Veterans Cemetery - Agawam — Agawam, MA (73 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Albany Rural Cemetery Soldiers' Lot have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Bryce Funeral Home Inc is a premier funeral home located at 276 Pawling Avenue in Troy, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including parlor, casket display room, and austrian-styled manor house. Professional offerings include earth burial services, cremation services, and pre-plan, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,000. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,500, while direct cremation is available from $2,000. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Reformed, Episcopal, and United Methodist.
Dreis Funeral Home Inc is a premier funeral home located at 208 North Allen Street in Albany, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including grounds and offices. Professional offerings include cremation, personalized funeral services, and traditional wakes, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,565. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,390, while direct cremation is available from $1,895. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Roman Catholic, Reformed Church in America, Presbyterian, and Seventh-day Adventist.
John J Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc is a premier funeral home located at 565 4Th Avenue in Troy, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including newly renovated facility, chapel, and visitation rooms. Professional offerings include pre-planning, grief support, and traditional burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,595. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,697. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Episcopal.
Daniel Keenan Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 490 Delaware Avenue in Albany, NY. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Philip J Brendese Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 133 Broad Street in Waterford, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including welcoming facility, chapel, and foyer. Professional offerings include cremation, ash scattering, and pre-arrangement, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,395. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,565, while direct cremation is available from $1,395. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Roman Catholic, Episcopal, United Methodist, Baptist, Wesleyan, and All faiths of the Capital District.
Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 490 Delaware Ave. in Albany, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, reception area, and piano. Professional offerings include immediate need, funeral service, and cremation service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,045. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,045, while direct cremation is available from $2,295. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Roman Catholic. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.5-star Google rating across 29 reviews.
DeGraaf-Bryce Funeral Home Inc is a premier funeral home located at 4392 Ny 150 in West Sand Lake, NY. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Applebee Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 403 Kenwood Avenue in Delmar, NY. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Professional offerings include funeral planning, cremation services, and memorial services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,220. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,795, while direct cremation is available from $3,220. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Roman Catholic.