Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Danville National Cemetery
Danville National Cemetery is located within the municipal Bellevue Cemetery in the city of Danville, Boyle County, Kentucky. Danville is the county seat, situated about 40 miles south of Frankfort. The Dix River, a primary watershed and a principal geographic reference during the late 18th century, is located three miles east of the city. Walker Daniel laid out the town in 1783–1784, and gave the community its name. Danville was chartered in 1787 by the legislature of the Commonwealth of Virginia; it was among the first incorporated settlements in what was then the county of Kentucky.
Kentucky's first governor, Isaac Shelby, made his home just outside of Danville. The city hosted Kentucky's first Constitutional Convention in 1784; after nine additional meetings, the original constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky was adopted in 1792. Later that same year, the state capital was relocated to Frankfort.
Bellevue Cemetery was established in the 1840s, and was originally known as Danville City Cemetery. At the beginning of the Civil War, the federal government appropriated 18 lots in the cemetery from the city. In 1876, the small rectangular soldiers' lot was designated a national cemetery.
Danville National Cemetery encompasses less than a half-acre in the northwest corner of Bellevue Cemetery. Each corner of the federal property is marked with a square post inscribed with the letters "U.S." on the upper face. There is a centrally located U.S. flagpole. The cemetery is divided into six burial sections; five for soldiers and one for the interment of civilians. Most of the initial interments were Union soldiers who died in several Danville hospitals, including one set up in the courthouse; the rest of the burials were primarily reinterments from regional cemeteries. A Confederate lot in the Bellevue Cemetery with 66 interments adjoins the national cemetery. Bellevue Cemetery continues to be operated by the city of Danville and remains open for burials.
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.
Under Development.
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
The cemetery is located approximately 38 miles from Lexington Blue Grass Airport. Travel East Man O' War to Nicholasville Road/Highway 27 South; exit onto Highway 34 West to Danville, KY. Bear to your right onto Lexington Avenue. Turn right onto North First Street and travel three blocks to Bellevue Cemetery. Danville National Cemetery is located within Bellevue Cemetery.
Floral and grounds policy
Danville National Cemetery is not responsible for any items left at gravesites.
Floral arrangements (up to six arrangements only) accompanying the casket or urn at the time of burial will be placed on the completed gravesite by cemetery staff. 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, KY 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):
- Camp Nelson National Cemetery — Nicholasville, KY (13 mi · open)
- Lebanon National Cemetery — Lebanon, KY (28 mi · open)
- Lexington National Cemetery — Lexington, KY (32 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.
Stith Funeral Home of Danville is a premier funeral home located at 318 West Broadway in Danville, KY. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, reception center, and urn garden. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and life celebrations, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,995. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,595, while direct cremation is available from $2,295. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Presbyterian, Baptist, Catholic, and Christian (Non-denominational).
Sims Funeral Services is a premier funeral home located at 130 North Chiles Street in Harrodsburg, KY. The property features well-appointed spaces including newest funeral service facility, largest chapel, and senior friendly facility. Professional offerings include traditional burial, cremation services, and pre-planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,795. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,195, while direct cremation is available from $1,795. The standard basic services fee for the funeral director and staff is $1,795. Additional typical expenses include embalming ($795) and use of facilities for viewing ($425).
Ransdell Funeral Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 345 East Lexington Street in Harrodsburg, KY. The property features well-appointed spaces including ground-level accessibility, handicap entrances, and handicap exits. Professional offerings include traditional funeral, cremation services, and pre-planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,395. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,195, while direct cremation is available from $2,395. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Protestant Christian, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism (Orthodox and other sects).
W.L. Pruitt Funeral Home, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 5590 Hwy. 2141 in Hustonville, KY. The property features well-appointed spaces including modern facilities, on-site crematorium, and handicapped accessible. Professional offerings include pre-planning, at-need planning, and funeral services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $5,895. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,465, while direct cremation is available from $1,615. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist and Methodist.
McKnight Funeral Home & Monument Company is a premier funeral home located at 147 Main Street in Crab Orchard, KY. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel for services, visitation rooms, and cremation services. Professional offerings include pre-planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,920. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically All faiths and Interfaith.
Betts & West Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 404 North Main St. in Nicholasville, KY. 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 $1,895.
Hager & Cundiff Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 207 West Oak St. in Nicholasville, KY. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel and arrangements room. Professional offerings include cremation, burial, and funeral services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,475. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,995, while direct cremation is available from $2,475.
Carey & Son Funeral Home, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 216 East Main St. in Springfield, KY. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Professional offerings include funeral service, memorial service, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,095. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Presbyterian.