Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Fort Bayard National Cemetery
Fort Bayard is located in southwestern New Mexico adjacent to the Gila National Forest. The site was chosen in 1863 for its springs and commanding view of the Apache war trails surrounding the nearby mining camps. In 1866, a permanent post was established here with the primary responsibility for protecting the Pinos Altos gold camp. The post was named Fort Bayard in honor of General G.D. Bayard, who died from wounds received during the Battle of Fredericksburg, and who had served in New Mexico and Arizona prior to the Civil War. The U.S. Army launched numerous attacks against the Apache from Fort Bayard during the 1870–1880s, which ended only with the surrender of the Apache Chief Geronimo.
The first known interment at Fort Bayard was Sergeant David H. Boyd of the 3rd U.S. Cavalry, buried October 10, 1866. In 1899, the Army deactivated Fort Bayard and established it as a tuberculosis hospital and research center. In 1922, the hospital was transferred to the Veterans Bureau, which became part of the new Veterans Administration in 1930. Fort Bayard Cemetery was established the same year, and became part of the National Cemetery System in 1973 when its administration was transferred from the Department of the Army to the Veterans Administration. In the 1990s, the state of New Mexico donated 3.95 acres to the cemetery.
Fort Bayard National Cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 7, 2002.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Fort Bayard 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:
Sergeant Alonzo Bowman (Indian Wars).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company D, 6th U.S. Cavalry, for actions at Cibicu Creek, Arizona Territory, August 30, 1881. He died in 1885 and is buried in Section A, Row I, Site 31.
Sergeant John Schnitzer (Indian Wars).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Troop G, 4th U.S. Cavalry, for actions at Horseshoe Canyon, New Mexico Territory, April 23, 1882. Schnitzer died in 1904 and is buried in Section AO, Site 43.
Other Burials One of the most important civilians buried at Fort Bayard is Walter Foote Sellers, author of the poem, "The Kneeling Nun." He was the stepson of retired Brigadier General Walter I.
Duggan. On his headstone is engraved "Ah, Me, the World Seems Lonelier Today."
In the civilian section of the cemetery near the fence on the east side is also buried John William Richmond Kennedy, who died at St.
Joseph's sanitarium, Silver City, NM on March 14, 1914. He was the eldest son of the Honorable William Rann Kennedy, Knt. P.C. of England.
The first burial at the Post cemetery with positive identification was Sergeant David H.
Boyd, Company M, 3rd U. S. Cavalry, October 10, 1866. One other, who is recorded as an "Unknown," preceded it.
New Mexico native Thomas P.
Foy (1914–2011) graduated from the University of Notre Dame (IN) in the late 1930s and began to practice law. He enlisted in the National Guard in 1941 and went to the Philippine Islands. First Lieutenant Foy was in the Pacific that December when the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor brought the United States into World War II. He was captured in April 1942 and was among the more than 70,000 Filipino and U.S. troops marched 60 miles across the Bataan Peninsula. Foy survived 44 months in a POW camp before being rescued; he received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and other commendations for his service. As a civilian Foy married and returned to his legal career. He was elected as county district attorney in 1949–1956 and to the state legislature in 1970–1998. Foy died October 6 and is buried in Section F, Row R, Site 15.
Eligibility for burial at Fort Bayard 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:
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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
From the El Paso International Airport, travel Interstate 10 west 101 miles to Deming. At Deming, take the Silver City exit to U.S. Highway 180 and continue north 49 miles to the State of New Mexico Hospital exit. Follow the signs to the cemetery.
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
We are developing educational content for this national cemetery, and will post new materials as they become available. Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
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Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to Fort Bayard National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- San Carlos Apache Tribal Veterans Cemetery — San Carlos, AZ (112 mi · open)
- Fort Bliss National Cemetery — El Paso, TX (121 mi · open)
- Fort Stanton State Veterans Cemetery — Fort Stanton, NM (151 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Fort Bayard National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Baca's Funeral Chapels is a premier funeral home located at 811 East Boutz Rd. in Deming, NM. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory, cemetery memorial granite company, and comfortable facilities. Professional offerings include traditional funeral service, cremation service, and memorial service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Roman Catholic. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.4-star Google rating across 7 reviews.