Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Bath National Cemetery
Bath National Cemetery is located in Steuben County, NY, adjacent to the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
The cemetery was originally a part of the New York State Soldiers and Sailors Home, which was established in 1877; the cemetery was dedicated in December 25, 1879. In 1930, the Soldiers and Sailors Home and cemetery became two integrated components of the Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC). When 82 national cemeteries were transferred from the Department of Army to the Veterans Administration in 1973, the Bath VAMC cemetery became part of the National Cemetery System and was designated appropriately.
Bath is the final resting place of the "first and oldest" U.S. MIAs (Missing in Action). On October 26, 1987, an archeologist discovered a skeleton during the construction of a house in Fort Erie, Canada. Scientists and military historians were subsequently sent to investigate the site and ultimately, they discovered 28 remains. The bones were initially believed to be remains of the area's indigenous population. The discovery of buttons, however, led authorities to believe that the men buried at the site were British soldiers.
The 28 soldiers had been interred in a traditional manner, lying east-west with hand crossed; this indicates that they had been buried during a lull in the fighting by fellow soldiers rather than the enemy. Further investigation by the military indicated that the men had fought during the Niagara Campaign with clashes at Chippaw and Lundy's Lane before they died at Snake Hill, a battery overlooking Fort Erie. The Department of the Army, working with Canadian officials, held a repatriation ceremony at Fort Erie, Canada, on June 30, 1988 and the soldiers were reinterred with full military honors.
Monuments and Memorials The 40-foot high granite Preservation of the Union Monument whose benefactor, Samuel Dietz, was dedicated to Civil War soldiers and sailors. It was erected in 1892.
The 1812 monument marks the location of 28 soldiers from the War of 1812 who were repatriated from another site and re-interred at the cemetery in 1988.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Bath National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Medal of Honor The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States.
Recipients receive the Medal of Honor from the President on behalf of Congress. It was first awarded during the Civil War and the eligibility criteria, medal design, and recognition on a recipients' grave marker have all evolved over time. There are 434 Medal of Honor recipients interred at VA national cemeteries including 6 double recipients.
» Medal of Honor recipients interred or memorialized here:
Corporal George M.
Grueb (Civil War). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company E, 158th New York Infantry, for gallantry at Chapin's Farm, Virginia, September 29, 1864. Grueb died in 1893 and is buried in Section A, Row 2, Site 3.
Sergeant John Kiggins (Civil War).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company D, 149th New York Infantry, for actions at Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, November 24, 1863. Kiggins died in 1914 and is buried in Section H, Row 32, Site 9.
Private George Ladd (Civil War).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company H, 22nd New York Cavalry, for actions at Waynesboro, Virginia, March 2, 1865. Ladd died on August 13, 1889 and is buried in Section C, Row 6, Site 6.
Sergeant Charles E.
Morse (Civil War). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company I, 62nd New York Infantry, for actions at Wilderness, Virginia, May 5, 1864. He was born in France, and enlisted in June 1861. Morse died in 1920 and is buried in Section J, Row 4, Site 24.
Private James Roberts (Civil War).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Navy for actions on board the U.S.S. Agawam, December 23,1864. Roberts also served in the U.S. Army, Company K, 8th Connecticut Infantry. Private Roberts died in 1908 and is buried in Section I, Row 26, Site 2.
Other Burials Private Robert Knox Sneden, noted for his paintings/drawings of the battles and leaders of the Civil War.
His scrapbook albums are on display at the Virginia Historical Society .
Section J, Row 11, Site 14
Eligibility for burial at Bath 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 Rochester, NY, take Interstate 390 south to Interstate 86 east approximately 80 miles. From Binghamton, NY, take Interstate 86 west approximately 95 miles. Take Bath, NY, exit #38. The cemetery is located on the west side of the Bath VA Medical Center located in the village of Bath. Once on the VA Medical Center grounds, stay on the main road until you reach the corner of San Juan and Argonne. Turn right and proceed up the hill to the left.
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 Bath National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Bath 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 Bath National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Woodlawn National Cemetery — Elmira, NY (31 mi · unknown)
- New York State Veterans Cemetery - Finger Lakes — Romulus, NY (34 mi · open)
- Western New York National Cemetery — Corfu, NY (71 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Bath National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Fagans, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 31 West Morris St. in Bath, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and preplanning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,450, while direct cremation is available from $3,010. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, United Methodist, Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Assembly of God.
Avoca Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 22 North Main Street in Avoca, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including bishop & desanto family inn. Professional offerings include pre-planning, veteran's services, and cremation services, 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 $3,540, while direct cremation is available from $2,795. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically All faiths.
Brown & Powers Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 354 Canisteo Street in Hornell, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel. Professional offerings include traditional services, cremation services, and personalization, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,620. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,540, while direct cremation is available from $2,620. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Non-denominational, and Bible Church.
Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home Inc is a premier funeral home located at 285 Main Street in Hornell, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including bishop and desanto family inn, viewing room, and entrance hall. Professional offerings include pre-planning, veteran's service, and cremation services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and All faiths served.
H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 29 East Main St. in Canisteo, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel/viewing rooms and reception areas. Professional offerings include immediate services, cremation, and memorial selections, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,720. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,950, while direct cremation is available from $2,720. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Wesleyan, Assembly of God, Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian.
Haughey Funeral Home, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 216 East 1St Street in Corning, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including ada compliant building, arrangement center, and office space. Professional offerings include traditional burial, cremation services, and monument selections, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $4,065. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $6,205, while direct cremation is available from $4,065. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Protestant, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Orthodox Judaism, and Other Jewish sects.
Baird Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 36 Water Street in Dundee, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including handicap accessible, centrally air conditioned, and ample parking. Professional offerings include traditional funeral services, customized funeral services, and pre-planning funeral services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,850. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,995, while direct cremation is available from $2,850. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, and Mennonite.
Barber Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 413 South Main St. in Horseheads, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including fireplace and front porch. Professional offerings include pre-planning, grief support, and traditional funeral, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors.