Ball's Bluff National Cemetery

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

History of Ball's Bluff National Cemetery

The diminutive Ball's Bluff National Cemetery is located approximately two miles from the Town of Leesburg, in Loudoun County, VA. Land for the half-acre cemetery was acquired through donation in 1865, and the government received a quitclaim deed from the original owner's heirs in 1904. Because of its location and size, the cemetery has never required a superintendent.

Within the cemetery, which is enclosed by a brick wall, lie the remains of 54 soldiers who died during the Battle of Ball's Bluff. The remains are interred in 25 graves, and the only known interment is James Allen of Co. H, 15th Massachusetts Infantry.

The Battle of Ball's Bluff began the morning of October 21, 1861, with Union and Confederate forces evenly matched. The Confederates were more experienced in battlefield strategy, however. As the conflict continued, Southern troops forced the Union army back toward the bluff. The decisive blow came in the afternoon when Col. Edward D. Baker, the Union commander, was shot in the head and killed. His death spurred on the Confederate soldiers, and a Union retreat was sounded. Some Union soldiers escaped down a cart path, but the majority was forced down a steep and rocky 80-foot bluff. Soldiers who reached the Potomac River tried swimming to Harrison Island or escaped by boat or logs. Many drowned, weighed down by their clothes and ammunition. Others were shot by Confederate troops firing down from the top of the bluff. Still others were captured and marched into Leesburg.

Among the many wounded abandoned on the Virginia shore when Union forces retreated was a young first lieutenant in the 20th Massachusetts, Oliver Wendell Holmes. Although wounded several times during the war, he survived and became one of the most notable justices on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Since the 1950s, there has been periodic interest in reinterring the remains of this cemetery to Culpeper National Cemetery and disposing of the property. Public sentiment as well as congressional censure has blocked any such action.

Ball's Bluff National Cemetery was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1984.

Monuments and Memorials A small granite monument dedicated to the memory of Clinton Hatcher, a Confederate soldier, is located beside the cemetery. Hatcher was from Augusta County, VA, and fought with the 8th Virginia Regiment. He was killed at the Battle of Ball's Bluff.

A marble memorial to General Edward D. Baker was erected in the memory of this Union general who was killed at the Battle of Ball's Bluff. Baker is buried at the San Francisco National Cemetery (Presidio) in California.

Notable interments

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

Eligibility for burial at Ball's Bluff National Cemetery

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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

Cemetery is located two miles northeast of Leesburg. From Washington Dulles International Airport, proceed north to Virginia Highway 7, then west to U.S. Highway 15. Turn north (right) and travel approximately two miles to 400 Battlefield Parkway. Go to Balls Bluff Road and turn left to cemetery on gravel road.

Floral and grounds policy

Cemetery policies are conspicuously posted and readily visible to the public.

Floral arrangements accompanying the casket or urn at the time of burial will be placed on the completed grave. Natural cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time of the year. They will be removed when they become unsightly or when it becomes necessary to facilitate cemetery operations such as mowing.

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 Ball's Bluff National Cemetery.

A National Cemetery System Ball's Bluff 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 Ball's Bluff National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):

• Winchester National Cemetery — Winchester, VA (33 mi · closed)
• Alexandria National Cemetery — Alexandria, VA (34 mi · closed)
• Congressional Cemetery Government Lots — Washington, DC (34 mi · closed)

Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes

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