Fort Meade National Cemetery

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

History of Fort Meade National Cemetery

Fort Meade National Cemetery is located approximately two miles east of the Department of Veterans Affairs Fort Meade Hospital, South Dakota. The Quartermaster Corps established the 2-acre cemetery here on September 24, 1878, and the first interment was made on the same day. The cemetery closed 70 years later after only 188 interments.

Fort Meade was built in 1878 by the surviving troops of General George Armstrong Custer's 7th Cavalry, to keep the peace among the Lakota and Cheyenne tribes and the prospectors. It was named in honor of Major General George G. Meade, whose victory in the Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War. In addition to being the home of the horse Comanche, sole cavalry survivor of the Battle of Little Big Horn, Fort Meade was also the birthplace of the national anthem. In 1892, Colonel Caleb Carton, appalled by the lack of a national anthem, ordered that the "Star-Spangled Banner" be played at the close of all concerts and parades, and later brought this effort to the attention of authorities in Washington, D.C. Subsequently, Secretary of War Daniel E. Lamont issued an order requiring the "Star-Spangled Banner" played at every army post every evening at retreat. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed an executive order making the "Star Spangled Banner" America's national anthem, and in 1931 the bill was signed into law.

Fort Meade National Cemetery contains both government-furnished headstones and private monuments installed by family or friends. As a result, there are a number of distinctive gravesites, including some enclosed by wooden boards and ornamental pipe fencing. The diversity of the graves reflects the array of those laid to rest at Fort Meade. Enclosed by a wrought-iron fence, for example, is the gravesite of Otto Von Wargowski, only 30 when he died and apparently a member of the Prussian nobility. Not far away are two side-by-side graves marked as "Child of Civilian Refugee" and "Lucy, Child, Sioux Indian."

Fort Meade National Cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 22, 1973.

Monuments and Memorials An obelisk monument honors the memory of two soldiers from the 7th cavalry who, according to legend, died as a result of drinking wood alcohol while on patrol.

Bivouac of the Dead erected 2004.

Notable interments

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

Eligibility for burial at Fort Meade 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

From Interstate 90 Exit 34, turn right to the gravel goad, Bureau of Land Management Road, east approximately four miles. Cemetery is on the right. From South Dakota Highway 34/78, one mile east of Sturgis is a gravel road to the cemetery that has a sign stating Fort Meade National Cemetery. This is near the west gate at Fort Meade VA Medical Center. Follow the gravel road approximately 1½ miles. Cemetery is on the left.

Floral and grounds policy

You can place fresh cut flowers on your loved one's grave throughout the year.

Floral items will be removed from graves when they become faded or unsightly. They may also be removed to allow 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 Meade National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):

• Black Hills National Cemetery — Sturgis, SD (3 mi · open)
• Hot Springs National Cemetery — Hot Springs, SD (66 mi · closed)
• Akicita Owicahe Lakota Freedom Veterans Cemetery — Kyle, SD (94 mi · open)

Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes

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