Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Alton National Cemetery
Alton National Cemetery was originally a soldiers lot in the Alton City Cemetery, in Madison County, IL. Despite the existence of the lot as early as 1870, the government did not own the half-acre tract until July 1, 1940, when the Alton Cemetery Association donated the land. An estimated 163 Union soldiers and 12 unknowns were initially buried here, according to an inspection report of 1870. The men died at the Alton hospital and onboard steamboats passing up the Mississippi River.
The government paid the cemetery administrators $30 a year to care for the plot. After the war, there were plans to move the 163 Alton soldiers to Springfield National Cemetery, but the community protested and exerted sufficient influence to prevent the removal.
In 1938, the Alton Cemetery Association made an initial offer to donate land for a national cemetery with a proviso that the government build a rostrum or permanent speaker's stand for use on Memorial Day. Once the offer was accepted, Works Progress Administration laborers constructed a permanent rostrum. Between 1941 and 1942, the remains of 49 Union soldiers were removed from a nearby, but separate, section of Alton City Cemetery, and were reinterred on the federal land.
The cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 5, 2011.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Alton National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Under Development.
Eligibility for burial at Alton 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 St. Louis Airport, E. Alton, IL, take State Highway 111 (in front of airport) Alton to Broadway Street. Turn right on Broadway Street to Pearl Street. Turn right on Pearl Street and proceed three blocks to the cemetery.
Floral and grounds policy
Fresh cut flowers may be placed at gravesites at any time.
Artificial floral arrangements may be placed on gravesites starting the second Saturday in October through the second Sunday in April.
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 Alton National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Alton National Cemetery 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 Alton National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- North Alton Confederate Cemetery — Alton, IL (3 mi · closed)
- Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery — St. Louis, MO (28 mi · open)
- Camp Butler National Cemetery — Springfield, IL (73 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Alton National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Harrison Funeral Chapel & Cremation Center is a premier funeral home located at 1924 Central Avenue in Alton, IL. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel and crematory. Professional offerings include traditional funerals, memorial services, and graveside ceremonies, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,760. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,420, while direct cremation is available from $1,760. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist and Pentecostal (Church of God in Christ).
Gent Funeral Home Inc is a premier funeral home located at 2409 State Street in Alton, IL. The property features well-appointed spaces including memorial garden, walkways, and benches. Professional offerings include funerals, monuments, and pre-planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,340. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,695, while direct cremation is available from $2,340. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist, Catholic, Christian (Disciples of Christ), and Assembly of God.
Harrison Funeral Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 1924 Central Ave. in Alton, IL. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Paynic Home for Funerals is a premier funeral home located at 618 East Airline Drive in East Alton, IL. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory. Professional offerings include traditional funeral service, memorial service, and graveside service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,000. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Christian.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 1313 West Delmar Avenue in GODFREY, IL. The property features well-appointed spaces including crematory, cemeteries, and large chapel. Professional offerings include service options, personalization, and pet services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,590. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,125, while direct cremation is available from $2,590. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Baptist, Lutheran, Apostolic, Pentecostal, and Church of God.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home - Bethalto is a premier funeral home located at 727 E. Bethalto Blvd. in Bethalto, IL. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Thomas Saksa Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 2205 Pontoon Road in Granite City, IL. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,160.
Wojstrom Funeral Home & Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 3939 Lake Drive in Granite City, IL. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory and chapel. Professional offerings include traditional funeral service, simple cremation, and religious service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,995. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,495, while direct cremation is available from $1,995. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian, Protestant, Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox.