Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Baton Rouge National Cemetery
Baton Rouge National Cemetery is located in East Baton Rouge Parish within the city limits of Baton Rouge, LA. Baton Rouge has been under the authority of seven different nations since its founding: France, England, Spain, West Florida Republic, Louisiana, Confederate States of America and the United States of America. French explorers discovered the area in the late 17th century. The local Native Americans referred to it as Istrouma or Red Stick, which translated into French is Baton Rouge. Explorers' records describe large, reddened poles erected with fish and bear heads attached in sacrifice by local tribes, which may have designated boundaries between tribal hunting grounds.
In 1718, the French are alleged to have constructed a fort near here to protect travelers bound from New Orleans to northern outposts. In 1763, this area was transferred to England according to the Treaty of Paris and it was renamed New Richmond. A little more than 30 years later, in September 1779, the Spanish defeated the English at Fort Butte on Bayou Manchac and captured Baton Rouge. The territory remained under Spanish control until 1810 when approximately 1,000 local settlers declared themselves the independent West Florida Republic and overthrew Spanish colonial rule. On April 8, 1812, Louisiana was admitted into the Union, and five years later the city of Baton Rouge was incorporated.
Louisiana seceded from the Union in 1861 and became an independent republic for six weeks before joining the Confederacy. Union forces captured New Orleans in May 1862 without a battle, and subsequently, Union troops moved upriver to Baton Rouge. The Battle of Baton Rouge took place August 5, 1862. After a brief skirmish, Union troops overwhelmed the small Confederate force and Baton Rouge remained under Union control for the duration of the war.
During the Civil War, soldiers and sailors were buried at the present site of Baton Rouge National Cemetery and, in 1867, it was designated a national cemetery. Remains were brought to Baton Rouge National Cemetery from the battlefields near Baton Rouge as well as the surrounding area, including Plaquemine, LA, and Camden, AR. At the end of the Civil war, it was reported that the government paid a bonus to anyone who discovered the grave of a Union soldier so that his remains could be reinterred in the national cemetery.
A "substantial wooden fence" enclosed the cemetery until 1878, when the government contracted with Michael and Bernard Jodd to build a brick wall around the cemetery. Unfortunately, before the wall was completed both men died in a yellow fever epidemic and were interred in the cemetery; local workmen completed the wall.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Baton Rouge National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Lieutenant General Troy Middleton (World War I, World War II).
Troy Houston Middleton (1889–1976) was born on a farm near Georgetown, MS, and graduated from what is now Mississippi State University in 1909. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1910 and went on to serve with distinction during World War I. In 1930, Middleton became Commandant of Cadets at Louisiana State University (LSU) before returning to active duty at the outset of World War II. He led the 45th Infantry Division in Italy before receiving command of the VIII Corps in 1944. His leadership during the Normandy Campaign led to the capture of the vital port city of Brest, France. Middleton continued to serve in the European Theater for the remainder of the war and retired a Lieutenant General in 1945. After the war, he was elected LSU's president. He passed away on October 9, 1976, and now rests in Section 2, Site 3356-A.
In 1886, the remains of Gen.
Philemon Thomas were disinterred from the old Baton Rouge post cemetery and reinterred in the national cemetery. Thomas was born in Virginia in 1763 and died in Baton Rouge on November 18, 1847. He fought in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and commanded the forces that captured the Spanish fort at Baton Rouge in 1810. Later in life, Thomas served in both the Kentucky and Louisiana legislatures and was twice elected to the U.S. Congress.
There are 20 large flat markers in Section 3.
Many are cracked and the majority of the inscriptions have been worn away by the elements. Some of these markers were placed in other cemeteries as early as 1830 and the remains, along with the large markers, were moved to the Baton Rouge National Cemetery circa 1890. The decedents were both adults, as well as children of officers. Removal of a levee by the U.S. Army Engineers necessitated discontinuance of a cemetery known as the Old Post Cemetery of the Arsenal Grounds.
Eligibility for burial at Baton Rouge 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
Cemetery's front gates are on 19th Street. From Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport take a left onto Veterans Memorial Drive. Turn right at the first traffic light and immediately take Interstate 110 South and exit 22nd Street. Turn right at end of exit ramp and follow 22nd Street to Florida Boulevard. Go through the traffic light at Florida Boulevard. Turn right to Convention Street, right on N 19th Street, enter cemetery.
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 Baton Rouge National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Louisiana National Cemetery — Zachary, LA (14 mi · open)
- Port Hudson National Cemetery — Zachary, LA (16 mi · unknown)
- Natchez National Cemetery — Natchez, MS (79 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Baton Rouge National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Church Funeral Services & Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 5535 Superior Drive in Baton Rouge, LA. The property features well-appointed spaces including offices. Professional offerings include burial services, cremation, and direct cremation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,495. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,895, while direct cremation is available from $1,495. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Pentecostal, and Christian. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.9-star Google rating across 71 reviews.
H.C. Alexander Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 821 Fourth Street in Norco, LA. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home locations and on-site chapel. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and monuments, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,020. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $6,495, while direct cremation is available from $2,020. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Southern Baptist, Assembly of God, Methodist, Pentecostal, and Church of Christ.
Tangi Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 1311 University Ave. in Hammond, LA. The property features well-appointed spaces including crematory and office. Professional offerings include funerals, cremation, and traditional burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,295. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,595, while direct cremation is available from $2,295. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Assemblies of God, and Baptist.
Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 1190 Highway 51 in Ponchatoula, LA. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel, reception hall, and offices. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and burial services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,995. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,995, while direct cremation is available from $2,995. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist and Catholic.
Pellerin Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 112 New Market Street in Saint Martinville, LA. The property features well-appointed spaces including sitting room, casket display area, and urns display area. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation, and traditional burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,995. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $6,660, while direct cremation is available from $2,995. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Baptist, and Non-denominational Christian.
McKneely Funeral Home of Amite & Kentwood is a premier funeral home located at 110 East Factory St. in Amite, LA. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel facilities for viewing and ceremony, reception space available, and handicap accessible. Professional offerings include funeral service, memorial service, and grief support, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,870. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $6,630, while direct cremation is available from $2,870. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian (Non-denominational/Pentecostal).
Thibodaux Funeral Home, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 104 Saint Patrick Hwy in Thibodaux, LA. 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 service pricing, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $925. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Episcopal, Baptist, African Methodist Episcopal (AME), and Methodist.
Melancon Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 289 Church Street in Grand Coteau, LA. The property features well-appointed spaces including carencro main location, carencro chapel location, and opelousas location. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and catholic mass reading & music selections, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,930. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,494, while direct cremation is available from $1,930. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic.