Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Danville National Cemetery
Danville National Cemetery is located in Vermilion County, IL, at the eastern side of the VA Illiana Health Care System. This area once belonged to the Miami, Kickapoo and Pottowatomie tribes of the Algonquin Indians. Salt deposits located on the Vermilion River attracted a variety of wildlife that served as a constant food supply for the local Native Americans; they later attracted the first white settlers to the region. In 1818, the Kickapoo ceded a large area of land to the federal government, including what is now Vermilion County. In the mid-1800s, coal miners settled in the Danville area, and soon the region ranked as Illinois' top coal producer. From 1841 to 1859, Abraham Lincoln practiced law in Danville; in 1852, he established a law practice with Ward Lamon. This was Lincoln's only permanent law office in the Illinois circuit.
Although no Civil War battles occurred here, many men from Danville volunteered for the Union. The men who returned home were often sick, wounded or disabled. In 1897, Congress authorized the establishment of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in Danville. The next year, a small plot of land was set aside as a burial site; it was subsequently designated a national cemetery in 1898. In 1901, the present cemetery was plotted and the remains of those buried in the old cemetery were reinterred at the new site.
In 1930, the Soldiers Home was transferred to the Veterans Administration (VA), and the cemetery became part of the VA Cemetery System. An internal study of the VA Cemetery System in 1948 recommended that the cemetery be transferred to the Department of the Army. No action was taken, however, and in 1973 when the National Cemetery System was reassigned from the Department of the Army to the Veterans Administration, it was merged into the National Cemetery System. Danville National Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
Monuments and Memorials The Civil War Soldiers Monument was dedicated on Memorial Day 1917 to the "men who offered their lives in defense of their country." The United States had entered World War I the month before. The federal government built it, at the cost of $6,000, as the focal point of a circular-plan cemetery at the Danville Branch-National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers (now VA Illiana Health Care System). Each National Home cemetery features a large, singular monument to honor veterans interred there. A plaza surrounds a granite base supporting the life-sized bronze by W. Clark Noble (1858–1938), a sculptor recognized for military monuments and portraits of American statesmen. This figure of a soldier holding a musket was used thirteen years earlier for the 100th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Monument installed at Antietam National Battlefield, Maryland.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Danville 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:
Lieutenant Morton A.
Read (Civil War). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company D, 8th New York Cavalry, for actions at Appomattox Station, Virginia, April 8, 1865. Read died in 1921 and is buried in Section 10, Site 3033.
Other Burials Unknown Soldier interred in section 2, gravesite 274, date of death August 15, 1903.
Eligibility for burial at Danville 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
Vermilion County Airport on Bowman Avenue Road is approximately 10 miles from the cemetery. Travel south on Bowman Avenue Road (which changes to Bowman Avenue). Turn left on East Main Street. At the third traffic light, which is at the entrance of the VA Illiana Health Care System, turn right. Follow the signs directing you to the cemetery. The cemetery is located on the east side of the campus.
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 Danville National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Danville National Cemetery, IL 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 Danville National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Woodlawn Monument Site — Terre Haute, IN (46 mi · closed)
- Crown Hill National Cemetery Annex — Indianapolis, IN (78 mi · unknown)
- Crown Hill National Cemetery — Indianapolis, IN (78 mi · closed)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Danville National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Kruger Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 10 East Williams Street in Danville, IL. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Pape Family Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 10 East Williams St. in Danville, IL. The property features well-appointed spaces including in-house crematory, cremation gardens, and cemetery. Professional offerings include grief support, pre-planning, and making arrangements, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,275. Traditional burial arrangements are offered from $2,000. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian denominations (e.g., Catholic, Nazarene, Church of Christ) and Accommodates various cultural and religious traditions.
Rortvedt Funeral Services & Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 3 South Hodge St. in Tilton, IL. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home, crematory, and on-site chapel. Professional offerings include funeral service, memorial service, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,325. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,050, while direct cremation is available from $1,325. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Methodist, and Lutheran.
Robison Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 103 Douglass St. in Catlin, IL. The property features well-appointed spaces including reception area, chapel, and sitting room. Professional offerings include funeral services, pre-planning, and online memorials, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,195. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,995, while direct cremation is available from $2,195. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Church of Christ, and United Methodist.
Maus Funeral Home - Attica is a premier funeral home located at 704 Council Street in Attica, IN. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home, cemetery, and columbarium. Professional offerings include burial, cremation, and veteran services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,200. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,450, while direct cremation is available from $3,200. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Free Methodist and Catholic.
Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 1900 South Philo Rd. in Urbana, IL. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory, chapel, and viewing rooms. Professional offerings include traditional services, cremation services, and pre-planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,300. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,720, while direct cremation is available from $3,300. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Methodist, and Christian (General).
Morgan Memorial Homes is a premier funeral home located at 1304 Regency Dr. W in Savoy, IL. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Professional offerings include funeral, cremation, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,750. Traditional burial arrangements are offered from $4,450. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Lutheran. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.8-star Google rating across 4 reviews.
Morgan Memorial Home is a premier funeral home located at 1304 Regency Drive West in Savoy, IL. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.