Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Cypress Hills National Cemetery (Union Grounds Plot)
Despite the early optimism of both the Union and Confederacy, by summer 1862, it was increasingly evident that the Civil War would be both long and costly. It was also apparent that additional burial grounds would be needed to accommodate the growing number of Union soldiers who died from battle injuries and disease.
While New York City and its outskirts were outside the area of military conflict, numerous hospitals were set up here to care for wounded Union troops. Cypress Hills began as a zone of the Interior Military Cemetery and was located within the boundaries of the large and private Cypress Hills Cemetery in Brooklyn. Almost three acres were set aside for the burial of Civil War dead in what became known as Union Grounds. In 1870, the Cypress Hills Cemetery Corporation deeded the property to the United States for a consideration of $9,600. An inspection report of September 1870 indicates that 3,170 Union soldiers and 461 Confederate POWs were already buried there. Most of the interments came from military hospitals in the area. There were also a number of reinterments from cemeteries on Long Island Sound and in Rhode Island.
Prior to 1873, eligibility for burial in a national cemetery was restricted to U.S. soldiers who died as a result of injury or disease during the Civil War. In 1873, however, Congress approved legislation extending burial rights to honorably discharged soldiers, sailors and Marines who served during the war. To accommodate the growing number of burials requested at Cypress Hills, more than 15 acres were purchased in 1884. In addition, in 1941, a small tract within the old Cypress Hills Cemetery, known as the Mount of Victory Plot, was donated by the State of New York. Today the cemetery consists of three parcels totaling a little over 18 acres: the Union grounds, a larger area on Jamaica Avenue, and the Mount of Victory. Although Cypress Hills was established to honor Civil War veterans, its grounds include the graves of soldiers who fought in the American Revolution, Spanish-American War, Korean and Vietnam wars. Cypress Hills National Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
Monuments and Memorials The 12-foot granite French Cross monument was erected in memory of 25 French sailors who died while on duty in American waters during World War I. Of the sailors who died, 22 are buried in the cemetery and three were returned to France for burial.
The granite and bronze Second Division American Expeditionary Forces monument was erected near the cemetery's rostrum.
The Eagle Monument was erected by laborers at Cypress Hill Cemetery about 1934. The stone eagle, with wings spread wide, was placed atop a stone pyramid erected by the Londino Construction Company, Bronx, NY, that same year.
The Ringgold Monument is a large obelisk that was erected by officers and soldiers who served under the command of Colonel Benjamin Ringgold.
The large, granite, British Navy Monument was erected in 1939 in memory of some British Revolutionary War soldiers whose remains were discovered in the 20th century and re-interred at Cypress Hills National Cemetery in 1909.
The 1881 Garfield memorial marks the former location of a commemorative oak tree that was planted in honor of President James A. Garfield, after he was assassinated. The James A. Garfield Oak Society, composed mostly of Germans residing in Eastern Brooklyn, sponsored the memorial tree.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Cypress Hills National Cemetery (Union Grounds Plot), 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:
First Sergeant John Mapes Adams (Boxer Rebellion).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps for actions near Tientsin, China, July 13, 1900. His alias was George Lawrence Day, and he was stationed in China, the Philippine Islands, and Panama. Adams died in 1921 and is buried in Section 2, Site 8262.
Sergeant Wilbur C.
Colyer (World War I). He received the Medal of Honor posthumously for service in the U.S. Army, Company A, First Engineers, First Division in recognition of actions near Verdun, France, October 9, 1918. Colyer was later killed in action on October 10. He is buried in Section 2, Site 8588.
Coxswain John Cooper (Civil War).
He received the Medal of Honor twice, first while serving in the U.S. Navy on board the USS Brooklyn during the Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama, August 5, 1864; and second while serving as quartermaster on the staff of Acting Rear Admiral Henry Thatcher for actions during a fire on April 26, 1865. Cooper died in 1891 and is buried in Section 2, Site 5022.
Seaman Henry C.
Courtney. He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Navy for his actions on board the U.S. training ship Portsmouth, February 7, 1882. Courtney died in 1887 and is buried in Section 6, Site 12222.
Sergeant Major Daniel Joseph Daly (Boxer Rebellion; Haitian Campaign, 1915).
He received the Medal of Honor twice, first while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during the battle of Peking, China, August 14, 1900; and second while serving with the 15th Company at Fort Liberte, Republic of Haiti, October 24, 1915. Daly died in 1937 and is buried in Section 5, Site 70.
Private James J.
Dougherty (1871 Korean Campaign). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps for actions during the attack and capture of the Korean forts, June 11, 1871. Dougherty died in 1897 and is buried in Section 6, Site 12374.
Private Christopher Freemeyer (Indian Wars).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company D, 5th U.S. Infantry, for actions at Cedar Creek, Montana Territory, from October 21, 1876, to January 8, 1877. Freemeyer died in 1894 and is buried in Section 2, Site 5259.
Sergeant Major Frederick W.
Gerber (Indian Wars). He received the Medal of Honor for gallantry during service in the U.S. Army, U.S. Engineers, throughout his 32-year career (1839–1871). Gerber died in 1875 and is buried in Section 2, Site 6101.
Sergeant Patrick Golden (Indian Wars).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company B, 8th U.S. Cavalry, for actions in Arizona Territory, from August to October 1868. Golden died in 1872 and is buried in Section 2, Site 5499.
First Sergeant Edward P.
Grimes (Indian Wars). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company F, 5th U.S. Cavalry, for actions at Milk River, Colorado, from September 29 to October 5, 1879. Grimes died in 1913 and is buried in Section 2, Site 7210.
Eligibility for burial at Cypress Hills National Cemetery (Union Grounds Plot)
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
J.F. Kennedy International Airport to Cypress Hills National Cemetery. Total distance is approximately 10 miles. Take the Belt Parkway westbound to Exit 17W - North Conduit Avenue.
Continue west on North Conduit Avenue and it will merge into Atlantic Avenue. Shortly after the merge, turn right into Hale Avenue. (There is a Sunoco Gas Station on the corner of North Conduit Avenue and Hale Avenue). Continue on Hale Avenue to the end and Cypress Hills National Cemetery will be directly in front of you.
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 Cypress Hills National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Cypress Hills National Cemetery - Medal of Honor Cypress Hills National Cemetery - Col. Benjamin Ringold Confederate Burials in the National Cemetery - New York City in the Civil War 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 Cypress Hills National Cemetery (Union Grounds Plot) (by straight-line distance):
- Cypress Hills National Cemetery (Mount of Victory Plot) — Brooklyn, NY (0 mi · closed)
- Cypress Hills National Cemetery — Brooklyn, NY (0 mi · closed)
- St. Albans National Cemetery — Queens, NY (6 mi · unknown)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Cypress Hills National Cemetery (Union Grounds Plot) have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Morton Funeral Home/ Ridgewood Chapels is a premier funeral home located at 663 Grandview Ave. in Ridgewood, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including spacious accommodations, warm home-like atmosphere, and ample parking. Professional offerings include traditional funeral, cremation, and pre-planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,633. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,725, while direct cremation is available from $1,633. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian (various denominations) and Jewish.
Fox Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 9807 Ascan Ave. in Forest Hills, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including visitation room, restroom facilities for elderly, and restroom facilities for handicapped. Professional offerings include burial services, cremation services, and pre-planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,855. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,605, while direct cremation is available from $2,855. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Protestant (various denominations), Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Judaism (non-Orthodox sects), and Islam (cremation forbidden, burial services offered).
Boulevard-Riverside Chapels is a premier funeral home located at 1450 Broadway in Hewlett, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including large-capacity chapel, modern funeral home, and flexible event space. Professional offerings include jewish funeral services, traditional funeral, and cremation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,645. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Orthodox Judaism, Conservative Judaism, Reform Judaism, and Secular Judaism.
Gerard J Neufeld Inc is a premier funeral home located at 8804 43Rd Avenue in Elmhurst, NY. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Papavero Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 7227 Grand Avenue in Maspeth, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including recently renovated facilities, handicap accessible, and ample parking. Professional offerings include traditional funeral service, cremation services, and burial services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors.
Ryan Funeral Home Inc is a premier funeral home located at 11415 South Main Street in Trenton, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including offices and crematory. Professional offerings include life celebration, funeral planning, and pre-planning, 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 $2,195, while direct cremation is available from $1,295. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian and United Methodist.
Elcock Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 13002 Liberty Ave. in Richmond Hill, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapels. Professional offerings include burial, cremation, and christian funeral service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,255. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,600, while direct cremation is available from $1,255. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, and Sikh. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.0-star Google rating across 25 reviews.
Conway Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 41-45 58Th Street in Woodside, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including large-capacity chapel, sitting area, and celebration of life venue. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremations, and floral arrangements, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,300. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,300. 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, Jewish Funeral Traditions, and Black Funeral Traditions.