Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Chattanooga National Cemetery
On December 25, 1863, Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, "The Rock of Chickamauga," issued General Orders No. 296 creating a national cemetery in commemoration of the Battles of Chattanooga, November 23–27, 1863. Gen. Thomas selected the cemetery site during the assault of his troops that carried Missionary Ridge and brought the campaign to an end. The land was originally appropriated, but later purchased, from local residents Joseph Ruohs, Robert M. Hooke and J. R. Slayton.
The site Thomas selected was approximately 75 acres of a round hill rising with a uniform slope to a height of 100 feet; it faced Missionary Ridge on one side and Lookout Mountain on the other. Gen. Grant established his headquarters on the summit of the hill during the early phase of the four-day battle for Lookout Mountain.
Chaplain Thomas B. Van Horne was placed in charge of the cemetery's development. In a report of May 14, 1866, the chaplain indicated that one-third of the cemetery site could not be used for burials due to large rock outcroppings. As a result, he suggested a design dictated by the rocky terrain. Much was accomplished during Van Horne's tenure at the cemetery. Flowering shrubs, evergreens and other trees were planted to replace a portion of the dense forest of oak trees that had been cut down as a part of the battleground. Each interment section consisted of a central site for a monument surrounded by plots for officers with the graves of enlisted personnel arranged in concentric circles around them. In 1867, it was designated Chattanooga National Cemetery.
By 1870, more than 12,800 interments were complete: 8,685 known and 4,189 unknown. The dead included men who fell at the battles of Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain. There were also a number of re-interments from the surrounding area, including Athens, Charleston and locations along the line of Gen. Sherman's march to Atlanta. A large number of men—1,798 remains — who died at the Battle of Chickamauga were relegated to unknowns during the re-interment process.
In addition to Civil War veterans, there are 78 German prisoners of war buried here. Pursuant to provisions included in the peace treaty between the United States and Germany at the end of World War I, the German government sought the location and status of the gravesites of Germans who died while detained in the United States. An investigation conducted by the War Department found that the largest number of German POWs was interred at Chattanooga National Cemetery. For a short time, thought was given to removing all other German interments to Chattanooga. In the end, however, the German government decided that only 23 remains from Hot Springs National Cemetery should be reinterred here. The German government assumed the cost of disinterment and transportation to Chattanooga, and erected a monument to commemorate the POWs.
Chattanooga National Cemetery was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
Monuments and Memorials Chattanooga National Cemetery is home to one of five monumental masonry archways that originally served as the formal entrance to national cemeteries found in the South. Three are managed by NCA: Marietta, GA, built 1883; Chattanooga, TN, built ca.1880; and Nashville, TN, built ca.1870. These Roman-inspired structures are approximately 35 feet high with Doric columns, a pair of ornamental iron gates, and inscriptions above. The two other memorial arches are found at Arlington National Cemetery, built 1879, and Vicksburg National Cemetery, ca. 1880, properties managed by the Department of Defense and National Park Service, respectively.
The Andrews Raiders Monument, erected by the state of Ohio in 1890, is among the most unique memorials in the cemetery. The granite base and die is topped with a bronze replica of "The General," the Civil War-era wood-burning locomotive famous for its great chase of 1862.
The Fourth Army Corps erected a granite obelisk in 1868 to honor their fallen comrades.
The German government erected the German World War I prisoner of war monument in 1935 to honor German soldiers who died in an American POW camp and are interred at the cemetery.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Chattanooga 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:
Technical Sergeant Charles H.
Coolidge (World War II). Coolidge was born in Signal Mountain, TN, on August 4, 1921. He graduated from Chattanooga High School in 1940 and worked in his family's printing business until drafted in June 1942. He went overseas with the 36th Infantry Division in spring 1943 and saw action in North Africa and Italy, earning the Silver Star. From October 24–27, 1944, Coolidge led an untested machine gun section, protecting his battalion's flank near Belmont-sur-Buttant, France. Facing a superior German force supported by armor, Coolidge frequently put himself in harm's way and repulsed numerous attacks. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for this action. He returned to the print shop after the war, raised a family, and spoke often of his wartime experience. He died on April 6, 2021, and was buried alongside his wife, Frances in Section BB, Site 474-A.
Master Sergeant Ray E.
Duke (Korea). He received the Medal of Honor posthumously for service in the U.S. Army, Company C, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in recognition of conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage near Mugok, Korea, April 26, 1951. He was last seen firing into the ranks of onrushing assailants. Duke is buried in Section Z, Site 373.
Corporal Desmond T.
Doss (World War II). Desmond Doss was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1919. He was working in the Newport News shipyard when he was drafted into World War II. Based on his religious beliefs, Doss refused to carry a weapon or kill an enemy soldier so he served in the U.S. Army as a medic in the Pacific Theater: Guam, the Philippines, and Japan. He received two Bronze Stars, and the Medal of Honor for saving the lives of 75 comrades during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, despite being severely wounded. Doss was the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor, which was presented by President Harry Truman. Doss contracted tuberculosis in 1946, died from respiratory complications in 2006, and is buried in Section P, Site 6399-A.
Private Samuel Robertson (Civil War).
Robertson was one of the first recipients of the Medal of Honor for actions during "The Great Locomotive Chase" at Big Shanty, Georgia, in April 1862. He served in the U.S. Army, Company G, 33rd Ohio Infantry, and died June 18, 1862. His award was posthumous. Private Robertson is buried in Section H, Site 11177.
Sergeant Major Marion A.
Ross (Civil War). Ross was one of the first recipients of the Medal of Honor for actions during "The Great Locomotive Chase" at Big Shanty, Georgia, in April 1862. He served in the U.S. Army, 2nd Ohio Infantry, and died June 18, 1862. His award was posthumous. Sergeant Major Ross is buried in Section H, Site 11179.
Sergeant John M.
Scott (Civil War). Scott was one of the first recipients of the Medal of Honor for actions during "The Great Locomotive Chase" at Big Shanty, Georgia, in April 1862. He served in the U.S. Army, Company F, 21st Ohio Infantry, and died June 18, 1862. His award was posthumous. Sergeant Scott is buried in Section H, Site 11182.
Private Philip G.
Shadrach (Civil War). Shadrach was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Joseph R. Biden to correct a 162-year oversight. He received the medal for actions during "The Great Locomotive Chase" at Big Shanty, Georgia, in April 1862. He served in the U.S. Army, Company K, 2nd Ohio Infantry, and died June 18, 1862. Shadrach is buried in Section H, Site 11181.
Sergeant Samuel Slavens (Civil War).
Slavens was one of the first recipients of the Medal of Honor for actions during "The Great Locomotive Chase" at Big Shanty, Georgia, in April 1862. He served in the U.S. Army, Company E, 33rd Ohio Infantry, and died June 18, 1862. He was the last participant in the 1862 raid so recognized, posthumously, in 1883. Slavens is buried in Section H, Site 11176.
Captain Larry L.
Taylor (Vietnam). Taylor was born in Chattanooga, TN in 1942 and graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he attended the Army Reserve Officer Training program. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1966. After graduating from the U.S. Army Armor School he requested permission to transition career paths and train as a helicopter pilot — utilizing civilian pilot experience. He qualified as an Army aviator in June 1967 and served in Vietnam from August 1967–1968 flying the Bell AH1-G Cobra attack helicopter. He flew over 2,000 combat missions, was engaged by the enemy 340 times, and was forced down 5 times. He was awarded 50 combat decorations to include the Silver Star, 43 Air Medals, a Bronze Star, and 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses. His June 18, 1968, Silver Star action; a daring mission to rescue a surrounded patrol team, was upgraded to a Medal of Honor by President Joe Biden in 2023. Taylor ran a successful roofing business in Chattanooga after his military service and was active in Veterans organizations and the community.
Private George D.
Wilson (Civil War). Wilson was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Joseph R. Biden to correct a 162-year oversight. He received the medal for actions during "The Great Locomotive Chase" at Big Shanty, Georgia, in April 1862. He served in the U.S. Army, Company B, 2nd Ohio Infantry, and died June 18, 1862. Wilson is buried in Section H, Site 11178.
Eligibility for burial at Chattanooga 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 in the center of Chattanooga. From Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport take Airport Rd to Lee Hwy (U.S. 11 and 64, Tenn. 2). Travel southwest on Lee Hwy, which becomes Brainerd Rd. Continue through the Missionary Ridge Tunnel. Brainerd Rd then becomes McCallie Ave. Turn left at Holtzclaw Ave and proceed 3 blocks to the cemetery on the right.
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 Chattanooga National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Georgia National Cemetery — Canton, GA (69 mi · open)
- Marietta National Cemetery — Marietta, GA (86 mi · closed)
- East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery - Lyons View Pike — Knoxville, TN (95 mi · closed)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Chattanooga National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Taylor Funeral Home of Chattanooga Inc is a premier funeral home located at 3417 Wilcox Boulevard in Chattanooga, TN. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel and full service facility. Professional offerings include seamless arrangements, customizable memorial services, and funeral planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $995. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,180, while direct cremation is available from $995. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian and Baptist.
Lane Funeral Home Coulter Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 601 Ashland Terrace in Chattanooga, TN. The property features well-appointed spaces including visitation area, cozy living room-style gathering space, and waiting area. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and memorialization options, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,220. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,190, while direct cremation is available from $2,220. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian and Catholic. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.9-star Google rating across 199 reviews.
Heritage Funeral Homes & Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 7454 East Brainerd Rd. in Chattanooga, TN. The property features well-appointed spaces including east brainerd chapel and battlefield parkway chapel. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and memorialization options, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,535. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,645, while direct cremation is available from $2,535. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, and Catholic.
Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist - East Brainerd Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 8214 East Brainerd Rd. in Chattanooga, TN. The property features well-appointed spaces including flexible event space, large-capacity chapel, and celebration of life center. Professional offerings include cremation, traditional burial, and celebration of life, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,765. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,100, while direct cremation is available from $1,320. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian traditions, Buddhist, Catholic, Christian (Protestant), Hispanic traditions, Hindu, Jewish, and Muslim. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 5.0-star Google rating across 24 reviews.
Hamilton Memorial Gardens is a premier funeral home located at 5351 Highway 153 in Hixson, TN. The property features well-appointed spaces including flexible event space, modern funeral home, and large-capacity chapel. Professional offerings include cremation, traditional burial, and celebration of life, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,095. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,495, while direct cremation is available from $2,095. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian Funeral Traditions, Buddhist Funeral Traditions, Catholic Funeral Traditions, Hispanic Funeral Traditions, Hindu Funeral Traditions, Muslim Funeral Traditions, Christian Funeral Traditions, and Jewish Funeral Traditions.
Lane Funeral Home - South Crest Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 833 Chickamauga Ave. in Rossville, GA. 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 $2,030.
W.L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 555 West Cloud Springs Rd. in Fort Oglethorpe, GA. The property features well-appointed spaces including offices and chapel. Professional offerings include honoring life, planning ahead, and grief support, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,295. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,185, while direct cremation is available from $2,070.
Lane Funeral Home-South Crest Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 833 Chickamauga Avenue in Rossville, GA. The property features well-appointed spaces including visitation parlors. Professional offerings include cremation, burial, and memorialization, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,030. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,345, while direct cremation is available from $2,030. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist and Nazarene.