Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Annapolis National Cemetery
Annapolis National Cemetery is located in Anne Arundel County, within the city limits of Annapolis, MD. Annapolis was one of the 14 national cemeteries established by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862. The original land was leased in August 1862 from a local resident, Nicholas Brewer, for a period of 99 years. Five years later, Brewer's heirs sold the land outright to the federal government.
During the Civil War, Annapolis was the site of a Union training and recruiting center. Despite the government's best efforts to keep the camps sanitary, a large number of men died due to illnesses such as small pox and typhoid, as well as accidents and violence. As a result, most original interments at the cemetery were men who died at the training camps or nearby hospitals.
Annapolis also had a role in the exchange of prisoners between Union and Confederate sides. As early as the War of 1812, there was a well-established practice of paroling prisoners of war so neither side incurred the expense of holding and maintaining the others' troops for an extended period. While City Point, VA, was the official exchange location, Confederate prisoners were held at Annapolis while arrangements were negotiated. Conversely, Union soldiers held by the Confederacy were often moved to the hospital at Camp Parole, near Annapolis, after their release. At least 24 men buried at Annapolis National Cemetery were former Confederate POWs who died in captivity.
Annapolis National Cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Annapolis National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Under Development.
Eligibility for burial at Annapolis 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 the Baltimore/Washington International Airport take I-97 South approximately 15 miles. Take the MD-665 exit toward Aris T Allen Boulevard/Riva Road. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Annapolis/US-50 E/Bay Bridge/US-301 E and merge onto US-301 N/US-50 E. Take exit 23 for MD-450 E. Turn left at West Street. Follow West Street approximately two miles to 800 West Street. The cemetery will be on your left.
Floral and grounds policy
The placement of floral items on graves other than on the day of interment is subject to the following conditions:
1. Fresh cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time. Temporary flower containers (vases) are available in bins throughout the cemetery.
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 Annapolis National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Annapolis 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 Annapolis National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Crownsville Veterans Cemetery — Crownsville, MD (8 mi · open)
- Loudon Park National Cemetery — Baltimore, MD (23 mi · closed)
- Baltimore National Cemetery — Baltimore, MD (23 mi · unknown)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Annapolis National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Hardesty Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 12 Ridgely Avenue in Annapolis, MD. The property features well-appointed spaces including facilities for visitation, facilities for funeral services, and reception hall. Professional offerings include funeral options, personalization, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,415. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,995, while direct cremation is available from $2,415. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Methodist and Diverse faiths (as stated by the funeral home's capacity to serve any religion).
J.M. Taylor Funeral Home, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 147 Duke Of Gloucester St. in Annapolis, MD. The property features well-appointed spaces including flexible event space, large-capacity chapel, and celebration of life center. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and traditional funerals, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,195. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $7,280, while direct cremation is available from $2,440. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Lutheran (Missouri Synod), Evangelical Free, United Methodist, and All faiths and traditions.
Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home & Cremation Care, P.A. is a premier funeral home located at 495 Ritchie Highway in Severna Park, MD. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and pre-planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $810. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,650, while direct cremation is available from $2,315. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Baptist.
Stallings Funeral Home P A is a premier funeral home located at 3111 Mountain Road in Pasadena, MD. The property features well-appointed spaces including home-like setting, natural decor, and remodeled with new flooring. Professional offerings include burial with traditional services, cremation with traditional services, and cremation with memorial service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,710. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,410, while direct cremation is available from $1,710. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Lutheran, United Methodist, Catholic, and Episcopal.
Stallings Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 3111 Mountain Rd. in Pasadena, MD. 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 $1,710.
Beall Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 6512 Crain Highway in Bowie, MD. The property features well-appointed spaces including on_site_chapel, viewing_rooms, and reception_space. Professional offerings include cremation, burial, and pre_planning_services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,885. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,150, while direct cremation is available from $1,885. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Episcopal, Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, and Jewish.
Maryland Cremation Services is a premier funeral home located at 408 Headquarters Drive Ste 10 in Millersville, MD. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory, chapel, and reception area. Professional offerings include direct cremation, memorial services, and visitation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $975. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $975. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Baptist, and Lutheran.
Robert E. Evans Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 16000 Annapolis Road in Bowie, MD. The property features well-appointed spaces including gathering spaces, chapel, and lounge. Professional offerings include burial services, cremation services, and pet cremation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,195. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,315, while direct cremation is available from $2,195. The standard basic services fee for the funeral director and staff is $2,400. Additional typical expenses include embalming ($900) and use of facilities for viewing ($400). The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic.