Fort Crawford Cemetery Soldiers' Lot

Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026

History of Fort Crawford Cemetery Soldiers' Lot

Fort Crawford Cemetery is located on the former site of the Fort Crawford Military Reservation in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. There were two subsequent Fort Crawfords in Prairie du Chien during the 1800's. The original Fort Crawford, built in 1816, was situated adjacent to the Mississippi River. Repeated flooding led to its abandonment in 1826. Rebuilt on higher ground in 1830, the second incarnation of Fort Crawford operated until 1856.

In the spring and summer of 1832, Black Hawk, leader of a band of Sauk and Fox Indians, clashed with U.S. forces in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, in a conflict now known as the Black Hawk War. After the Battle of Bad Axe in 1832, Black Hawk surrendered to the forces of Colonel Zachary Taylor and was imprisoned at Fort Crawford.

The soldiers' lot is located in block 13 of the Fort Crawford Cemetery. The first burials here were of the members of the 1st and 5th Infantry regiments stationed at the fort. The soldiers' lot includes eight above-ground box-tombs that were likely erected by the regiments. The United States received the title for the lot in 1866. There are approximately 64 interments in the 0.59-acre soldiers' lot, including the remains of four soldiers removed from the Protestant cemetery at Prairie du Chien.

Monuments and Memorials The United Daughters of the Confederacy dedicated a bronze plaque to Jefferson Davis in August 1953 near the street entrance to the soldiers' lot. Lt. Jefferson Davis served briefly at Fort Crawford as a young man; later he became the president of the Confederate States of America. Fort Crawford is one of at least four sites that claim to be the setting of Davis' elopement with the daughter of Zachary Taylor.

Notable interments

Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Fort Crawford Cemetery Soldiers' Lot, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.

Eligibility for burial at Fort Crawford Cemetery Soldiers' Lot

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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

Take Interstate 94 toward Madison, Wisconsin, to Interstate 90 South. Follow Interstate 90 South to exit 142A (SR 12 & 18 West). Take SR 12 & 18 to SR 18 West. Follow SR 18 West into the town of Prairie du Chien. Turn left on East Cass Street. Follow East Cass Street to South Beaumont Street. Turn left on South Beaumont Street. The cemetery will be on the right.

From Lacrosse Municipal Airport (65.2 miles from the cemetery): Turn left on Fanta Reed Road. Then turn right on Dawson Avenue/Fanta Reed Road. Turn right to take Interstate 90 East. Take US-53 South/Wisconsin-35 South, exit #3A. Continue on West George Street, Lang Drive, West Avenue North, bear left on Great River Road/South Avenue. Continue on US-18 then turn right on East Cass Street. Turn left on South Beaumont Road and the cemetery will be on the right.

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 Crawford Cemetery Soldiers' Lot (by straight-line distance):

• Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston — Preston, MN (64 mi · open)
• Forest Hill Cemetery Soldiers' Lot — Madison, WI (87 mi · closed)
• Fort Winnebago Cemetery Soldiers' Lot — Portage, WI (99 mi · closed)

Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes

The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Fort Crawford Cemetery Soldiers' Lot have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.