Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Benicia Arsenal Post Cemetery
Nestled in beautiful Solano County California lies the historic Benicia Army Cemetery. The Benicia Army Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in the Pacific States. It was the post cemetery for the Benicia Barracks, which from 1849 to 1857 served as the Headquarters for the U.S. Army's Pacific Division. The cemetery contains 212 interments dating from 1849 to 1958. These interments include U.S. military personnel, civilians, unknowns, foreign personnel (German and Italian POW's) and three military service dogs. The cemetery is on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Benicia Arsenal-Benicia Barracks Historic District.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Benicia Arsenal Post Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
We are developing content for this section.
Eligibility for burial at Benicia Arsenal Post 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
Benicia Arsenal Post Cemetery is located in Benicia, California. The closest major airport is Oakland International Airport (OAK). This airport has international and domestic flights from Oakland, California and is 39 miles from the cemetery.
From Oakland International Airport: Take I-880 N from 98th Ave. Take CA-24 E and I-680 N to E 5th St in Benicia. Take exit 6 from I-780 W. Follow E 5th St, Military E and Hospital Rd to Birch Rd.
Floral and grounds policy
Fresh cut flowers may be placed on graves and in the gravel, areas surrounding the columbarium and memorial walls at any time and will be removed once they become unsightly. In addition, all items placed on gravesites can be removed to accommodate grounds maintenance to include removal of artificial flowers. Floral pickup is conducted every Wednesday of each month along with daily pick up of faded or unsightly arrangements and other items.
Cemetery furnished temporary flower cones are available and located throughout the cemetery in specially marked containers.
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
We are developing educational content for this national cemetery, and will post new materials as they become available. Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
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Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to Benicia Arsenal Post Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Mare Island Naval Cemetery — Vallejo, CA (7 mi · closed)
- San Francisco National Cemetery — San Francisco, CA (24 mi · closed)
- Sacramento Valley National Cemetery — Dixon, CA (29 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Benicia Arsenal Post Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Oak Park Hills Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 3111 North Main Street in Walnut Creek, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including recently renovated, multiple chapels, and reception room. Professional offerings include cremation services, funeral & memorial services, and funeral preplanning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,095.
Sunset View Cemetery Association is a premier funeral home located at 101 Colusa Avenue in El Cerrito, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including cemetery, reception hall, and newly renovated facility. Professional offerings include funerals, burial options, and cremation options, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,820. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,900, while direct cremation is available from $2,820. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically All Faith Traditions and Catholic.
Sunset View Cemetery & Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 101 Colusa Ave. in El Cerrito, CA. 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 $2,380. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.5-star Google rating across 66 reviews.
Chapel Of The Chimes - Oakland is a premier funeral home located at 4499 Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory, chapel of memories columbarium, and gardens. Professional offerings include full-service funerals, cremation, and cemetery services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,300. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,070, while direct cremation is available from $2,300. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.7-star Google rating across 276 reviews.
Fouche's Hudson Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 3665 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including front lobby, fountain and garden, and visitation rooms. Professional offerings include cremation, traditional funeral service, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,960. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,620, while direct cremation is available from $1,960. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically African Methodist Episcopal, Baptist, Catholic, Christian (Non-denominational), Episcopal, Jewish, Methodist, Muslim, Pentecostal, and Presbyterian. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.2-star Google rating across 32 reviews.
Graham-Hitch Cremation and Memorial Center is a premier funeral home located at 4167 First St. in Pleasanton, CA. 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 $1,560. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.5-star Google rating across 8 reviews.
Grant Miller-John Cox Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 2850 Telegraph Ave. in Oakland, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel and facility. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and memorialization options, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,280. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,995, while direct cremation is available from $2,280.
Higgins Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 1310 A St. in Antioch, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home, facility for visitations, and facility for funeral services. Professional offerings include basic services, embalming, and preparation of body, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,445. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,495, while direct cremation is available from $2,445. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic.