Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Crown Hill National Cemetery
On July 1, 2022, the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) opened a new 15-acre national cemetery at Crown Hill National Cemetery Annex.
Crown Hill National Cemetery is located 2.8 miles northwest of downtown Indianapolis, Ind., within the private Crown Hill Cemetery. During the Civil War, Union soldiers who died while stationed at the various camps near Indianapolis and at local hospitals were originally buried at nearby Green Lawn Cemetery. However, concern over the limited acreage and poor maintenance of these facilities led the governor to request a national cemetery for the city. The Federal government purchased lots within the new Crown Hill Cemetery (established in 1863) and in 1866, the remains buried at Green Lawn were reinterred at Crown Hill in a ceremony attended by James A. Ekin, the deputy quartermaster general. Today, the private Crown Hill is notable as the third-largest non-government cemetery in America.
In addition to the Union soldiers, Confederate prisoners were buried at Crown Hill National Cemetery. During the Civil War there were typically more than 3,500 Confederates held prisoner at Camp Morton on the north side of Indianapolis. Originally, the principle mustering, recruiting, and encampment site for many Hoosier regiments. After the fall of Forts Donelson and Henry in early 1862, thousands of captured Confederates were sent north to POW camps such as Camp Morton (others included Camp Butler in Springfield, Ill.; Camp Chase in Columbus, Ohio; and Camp Douglas in Chicago). About 15,000 prisoners occupied Camp Morton between 1862 and 1865. Typical of most prison facilities at that time, Camp Morton was unprepared for the large influx of prisoners. Medical care, food, and sanitary conditions were inadequate. Between 1862 and 1865, more than 1,700 Confederate deaths at Camp Morton resulted. Still, the death rates at Camp Morton were lower than most Northern prisons.
After it became the city's responsibility to find an acceptable burial ground for the Southern dead, a section of the Green Lawn cemetery was turned over to the government for burials. After the war, this land was sold to the railroad, and the remains removed to a mass grave in Section 32 of Crown Hill Cemetery. In 1989, two Indianapolis police officers initiated an effort to mark the graves of the Confederate POWs; other groups and individuals joined in, and in 1993 the new Confederate Memorial was dedicated. Crown Hill National Cemetery, including the national cemetery tract, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Monuments and Memorials The Women's Relief Corps No. 44, auxiliary to Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Post 369, Department of Indiana, erected a limestone monument here to the unknown dead. Carved by Indianapolis stonecutter James F. Needler with an eagle, draped flag, and cannon, its dedication was a special addition to the usual Memorial Day program in 1889.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Crown Hill National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Crown Hill National Cemetery Sergeant John Morrow (Revolutionary War).
Morrow (1760–1835) enlisted in the Patriot cause in December 1776 at age 16. He served for three months with Captain W. Blain's Pennsylvania Militia company. He enlisted for two more three-month terms in 1778 and 1779, serving with several Pennsylvania militia regiments and attaining the rank of sergeant. Morrow was wounded in action and fought at the Battle of Crooked Billet during the Philadelphia Campaign of 1778. After the war he became a Methodist minister and was known for his long sermons. Morrow died in 1835 and was originally buried on a farm near Mt. Jackson in Indianapolis before being moved to Crown Hill National Cemetery on March 16, 1900. He now rests in Section 9, Site 14.
Eligibility for burial at Crown Hill 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
Crown Hill National Cemetery is located in the Northeast section of Indianapolis, Indiana, inside Crown Hill Cemetery. From Indianapolis Airport, take I-465 North to Exit 17 (38th Street). Turn right on 38th Street. The cemetery is located approximately 13 miles from the airport in the center of Indianapolis.
Floral and grounds policy
Crown Hill National Cemetery Annex Natural, fresh-cut flowers may be placed at the columbarium any time of the year and will be removed when they become withered or unsightly or when it becomes necessary to facilitate cemetery operations. Plastic floral cones are available for use and are located in containers throughout the cemetery.
Artificial flowers are permitted at the columbarium from October 10 through April 15. Christmas decorations are permitted during the Christmas season beginning December 1 and will be removed after January 20 each year.
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 Crown Hill National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Crown Hill 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 Crown Hill National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Crown Hill Confederate Plot — Indianapolis, IN (0 mi · closed)
- Crown Hill National Cemetery Annex — Indianapolis, IN (0 mi · unknown)
- Marion National Cemetery — Marion, IN (56 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Crown Hill National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery is a premier funeral home located at 700 West 38Th Street in Indianapolis, IN. The property features well-appointed spaces including large open-concept facility, chapel, and reception hall. Professional offerings include funeral planning, cremation services, and traditional burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,550. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $6,310, while direct cremation is available from $2,550. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Buddhism, Catholicism, Greek Orthodoxy, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Protestantism.
Sprowl Funeral & Cremation Care is a premier funeral home located at 1134 West 30Th Street in Indianapolis, IN. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.8-star Google rating across 62 reviews.
Sprowl Funeral and Cremation Care is a premier funeral home located at 1134 West 30th St. in Indianapolis, IN. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site facility for services. Professional offerings include burial services, cremation services, and pre-arrangements, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,490. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $1,750, while direct cremation is available from $1,490. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian.
Stuart Mortuary Inc is a premier funeral home located at 2201 North Illinois Street in Indianapolis, IN. The property features well-appointed spaces including stuart mortuary chapel, viewing rooms, and chapels. Professional offerings include traditional funeral service, memorial service, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $895. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,575, while direct cremation is available from $895. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian (general), Church of Christ, Church of Christ (Holiness) USA, and Non-denominational.
Bell Mortuary & Crematory - Royster-Askin-Sandrock Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 2310 West Washington Street in Indianapolis, IN. The property features well-appointed spaces including gathering spaces, on-site chapel, and reception hall. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and burial services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,865, while direct cremation is available from $1,200. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian and All religions and cultures served.
Indiana Memorial & Cremation Service, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 3562 West 10Th Street in Indianapolis, IN. The property features well-appointed spaces including indiana memorial trafalgar center, chapel, and stage. Professional offerings include traditional burial, cremation, and pre-planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,110. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,795, while direct cremation is available from $1,110. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic Church, Christian (various denominations), Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Islam, and Orthodox Judaism. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.6-star Google rating across 82 reviews.
Usher Funeral Home Inc is a premier funeral home located at 2313 West Washington Street in Indianapolis, IN. The property features well-appointed spaces including viewing rooms, chapels, and limousines. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and preplanning arrangements, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,060. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,560, while direct cremation is available from $1,060. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Christian (various denominations). The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 5.0-star Google rating across 7 reviews.
Lavenia & Summers Home for Funerals is a premier funeral home located at 5811 East 38Th Street in Indianapolis, IN. The property features well-appointed spaces including legacy cremation & funeral services. Professional offerings include cremation, traditional funeral service, and memorial service, 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 $3,790, while direct cremation is available from $1,295. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Church of God in Christ, Catholic, Baptist, and Christian (Non-Denominational).