Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Fort McPherson National Cemetery
Built in 1863, Fort McPherson was established to ensure peace along the western frontier between the immigrants traveling along the Oregon Trail and the Native American inhabitants. The troops originally stationed at the post provided military protection from hostile Native Americans during the construction of the railroad.
To meet the burial needs of the soldiers stationed at the post, a cemetery was established early in its history. The old post burial ground was later moved to southwest of the post and some 50 remains were moved to this location.
Establishment of the 20-acre Fort McPherson National Cemetery in 1873 afforded the space to relocate remains from the cemeteries abandoned when the number of settlers decreased. Burial records testify that life on the frontier was full of hardships and dangers similar to battlefield camps during times of war.
The cemetery lodge was built in 1876 and rehabilitated in 1951 and 2000. About one mile southeast of the cemetery a monument marks the site of the flagstaff of the old military post. Another monument marks the route used by the Pony Express over the Oregon Trail, which passes through the cemetery.
The cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 5, 2012.
Monuments and Memorials The cemetery has a digital carillon system that was donated by the American Veterans, Inc (AMVETS) Department of Nebraska, in partnership with the AMVETS National Foundation. The carillon rings during the week to mark the time of day and plays selected devotional music on the weekend.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Fort McPherson 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:
Private First Class James W.
Fous (Vietnam). He received the Medal of Honor posthumously for service in the U.S. Army, Company E, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, in recognition of gallantry and self-sacrifice in Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam, May 14, 1968. Fous is buried in Section G, Site 685.
Sergeant George Jordan (Indian Wars).
George Jordan, born about 1850 in Tennessee, enlisted in the U.S. Army in Nashville in 1866. Illiterate at the time, he learned to read and write while in service. Private Jordan transferred to the 9th Cavalry in 1870 and, posted to the Indian Territories, he fought hostile Apache and Sioux tribes. He was promoted to corporal in 1874. In 1890 Sergeant Jordan received the Medal of Honor for holding ground against greater numbers of the enemy in 1880 and 1881. He was the first African American so recognized in two decades. After retiring in April 1897 Jordan remained in Nebraska and, as a landowner, lobbied for the right to vote. In fall 1904 he sought medical attention at the Fort Robinson hospital, but was denied admission; he died that October. Jordan was buried at Fort Robinson and in 1947 his remains were transferred to Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Section F, Site 1131.
Private Daniel H.
Miller (Indian Wars). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company F, 3rd U.S. Cavalry, for actions in the Whetstone Mountains, Arizona Territory, May 5, 1871. Miller died in 1874 and is buried in Section A, Site 380.
Sergeant Emanuel Stance (Indian Wars).
Emanuel Stance was born in Louisiana in 1848 and he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1866. Stance joined Troop F, 9th Cavalry, and spent most of his career on active frontier duty in the Southwest. Sergeant Stance received the Medal of Honor in May 1870 for unquestioned courage. However, he had a volatile personality and drove his men hard. Stance was demoted to private and restored to rank several times. In 1885 Troop F was posted at Fort Robinson, Nebraska. There, Stance was murdered on Christmas Day 1887, likely by his own men. In 1947, his remains were transferred from Fort Robinson to Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Section F, Site 1040.
Other Burials Born of Oglala-Lakota Indian and French decent, Baptiste "Little Bat" Garnier was a scout for the U.S.
Cavalry during the Indian Wars. His reputation grew as he tracked in what many believed to be impossible conditions. His skill earned him the nickname "Chief of Fort Robinson Scouts." Garnier was shot and killed by a saloon keeper on December 16, 1900. In 1947, Garnier's remains were disinterred from Fort Robinson, Nebraska, and buried in Fort McPherson National Cemetery .
Section S, Site 5900
Spotted Horse was a Pawnee Indian Scout for the U.S.
Army in the Northern Plains during the Indian Wars. He was killed by a Brule Sioux on August 14, 1862, and interred at Fort Kearny. In November 1873, Spotted Horse was reinterred at Fort McPherson National Cemetery .
Section C, Site 258
Fort McPherson National Cemetery is the final resting place for 63 Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalry.
The soldiers were all buried at Fort Robinson, Nebraska, and were relocated to Fort McPherson National Cemetery in 1947 when Fort Robinson was deactivated.
Fort McPherson National Cemetery has served as the final resting place for American men and women who have served their country at many different times in many wars throughout the years.
In some instances positive identification has been impossible due to the circumstances of the deaths. There are 81 group burials at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, which represent 350 Americans who gave the supreme sacrifice.
In section A, graves 384-389 contain the remains of six members of Company F, 3rd U.S.
Cavalry: Edward Doe, Louis Cohn, Theodore Froendle, Dennis Mahony, Daniel Taylor and William Mars, who were drowned on May 31, 1873 in a flash flood which swept through their campsite on Blackwood Creek in the Republican River Valley.
Pvt.
Cyrus Fox, 7th Iowa Infantry, was the last surviving Union veteran of the Civil War in Lincoln County, Nebraska. Pvt. Fox, who died in 1942, served under General McPherson for whom the cemetery is named .
Section C, Site 1270
Eligibility for burial at Fort McPherson 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 on south spur 56A, four miles south of Maxwell, or two miles south of exit 190 on I-80. The nearest commercial airport is Lee Bird Field, 11 miles west of Maxwell on Highway 30. Access to 56A is gained from Highway 30 through Maxwell or from I-80, exit 190.
Floral and grounds policy
You can place fresh cut flowers on your loved one's grave throughout the year.
At the time of burial, floral arrangements with the casket or urn will be placed on the completed grave.
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 Fort McPherson National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Fort McPherson National Cemetery 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 Fort McPherson National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Grand Island — Grand Island, NE (112 mi · open)
- Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Alliance — Alliance, NE (139 mi · open)
- Kansas Veterans Cemetery at WaKeeney — WaKeeney, KS (143 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Fort McPherson National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Odean Colonial Chapel at C and Sycamore is a premier funeral home located at 302 South Sycamore Street in North Platte, NE. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and traditional funeral service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,570. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,930, while direct cremation is available from $2,570. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian (Non-denominational), Presbyterian (PCUSA), Catholic, Lutheran (Missouri Synod), and Baptist.
Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 620 Tenth St. in Gothenburg, NE. The property features well-appointed spaces including columbarium. Professional offerings include immediate need, traditional services, and cremation services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Traditional burial arrangements are offered from $5,495. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Lutheran, Methodist, Catholic, Seventh-Day Adventist, and Evangelical Christian (Community Bible Church).
Berryman Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 620 East 22Nd Street in Cozad, NE. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, covered parking, and climate controlled parking. Professional offerings include immediate need, traditional services, and cremation services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $895. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $1,500, while direct cremation is available from $895. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically United Methodist, Catholic, Lutheran, and Christian.
Govier Brothers Mortuary Inc is a premier funeral home located at 542 South 9Th Avenue in Broken Bow, NE. The property features well-appointed spaces including govier brothers chapel. Professional offerings include traditional services, cremation services, and personalization, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,850. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic.
Govier Brothers Mortuary & Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 542 South 9th Ave in Broken Bow, NE. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.