Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Fort Missoula Post Cemetery
The U.S. Army established Fort Missoula in 1877 to guard the Bitterroot Valley in the Montana Territory after years of petitioning from local citizenry for military presence. The post cemetery was established the following year. The cemetery occupies 1.24 acres and is the oldest active burial ground in Missoula, with interments from all U.S conflicts from the Civil War to Vietnam. The fort saw significant activity from 1933 through World War II. From 1933–1942, Fort Missoula served as the Rocky Mountain Regional Civilian Conservation Corps' administrative center, the largest CCC headquarters in the country. During World War II, it was the Immigration and Naturalization Service's largest internment camp for non-military foreign and native persons—primarily Italian nationals and Japanese Americans.
The first recorded burial at the post cemetery was Pvt. William Gericke who died September 26, 1878. Two Medal of Honor recipients from the Indian Wars (1865–1891) are interred here: Corporal Harry Garland and Private Michael Himmelsback. A large number of graves are African Americans who served in the 24th and 25th Infantry regiments, which were garrisoned there from the late 1800s into the early 1900s. Thirty-six remains were reinterred in Fort Missoula following the closure of Fort Ellis, near Bozeman, in 1886. Several women, wives of officers and senior sergeants, are buried in the cemetery, as are more than 50 children who lived at the fort. The cemetery is closed to burials other than those of Veterans or eligible dependents in existing gravesites. Fort Missoula was formally decommissioned in 2001 and the Army transferred the post cemetery to NCA on October 16, 2019. Fort Missoula Post Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 as a contributing feature of a larger Army post district.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Fort Missoula Post 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:
Corporal Harry Garland (Indian Wars) was born in 1844 in Boston, MA.
He fought with the 2nd U.S. Cavalry and was part of post-Little Bighorn operations against Native Americans in the region. He received the Medal of Honor for gallantry in action in two separate engagements. The first was against Lakota Chief Lame Deer at Little Muddy Creek, MT, on May 7, 1877. The second was against the Nez Perce at Camas Meadows, ID, on August 20, 1877. In this event, Garland was shot through the left hip and was left unable to stand. He never fully recovered from his wounds and received a warrant promotion to Hospital Steward at Fort Ellis, assuming this duty in December 1878. He died May 21, 1883 and was buried at Fort Ellis. When the hospital closed in 1886 his remains were moved to Fort Missoula .
Section B, Site 13
Private Michael Himmelsback (Indian Wars) was born in 1849 in Allegheny County, PA.
He fought in Co. C, 2nd U.S. Cavalry. Himmelsback received the Medal of Honor for gallantry in action at Little Blue, NE, on May 17, 1870. In this engagement, Himmelsback was part of a five-man detachment sent to recover stray horses. The party was attacked by a large group of Native Americans and all their horses were killed. The party held off their attackers and withdrew by foot, rescuing a party of settlers — two women and two children — in the process. Himmelsback died of kidney disease at Fort Ellis Hospital, Montana, on January 5, 1881. When the hospital closed in 1886 his remains were moved to Fort Missoula .
Section B, Site 15
Other Burials U.S.
Army Major General Frank William Milburn served in World War I, World War II and the Korean War. He was a decorated hero, receiving numerous valor awards. He later served as the Athletic Director at Montana State University.
Eligibility for burial at Fort Missoula Post 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.
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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
Follow Aviation Way to W Broadway St/U.S. Highway 10 W, Head northeast on Johnson Bell Dr toward W Broadway St/U.S. Highway 10 W. Make a U-turn at W Broadway St/U.S. Highway 10 W. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto Aviation Way. Turn left to stay on Aviation Way. Turn left to stay on Aviation Way. Take US-93 S/N Reserve St to South Ave W in Missoula. Turn right onto W Broadway St/U.S. Highway 10 W. Turn right to merge onto US-93 S/N Reserve St toward S Reserve St. Continue on South Ave W. Drive to CCC Rd/Guardsman Ln. Turn right onto South Ave W. Turn left onto CCC Rd/Guardsman Ln.
Floral and grounds policy
Cemetery policies are conspicuously posted on the property and readily visible to the public.
Pets are not allowed in Cemetery. (Trained Service dogs only)
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 Missoula Post Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery - Missoula — Missoula, MT (3 mi · open)
- Montana State Veterans Cemetery - Fort Harrison — Fort Harrison, MT (95 mi · open)
- Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake — Medical Lake, WA (179 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Fort Missoula Post Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Garden City Funeral Home and Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 1705 West Broadway Street in Missoula, MT. The property features well-appointed spaces including on_site_chapel, viewing_rooms, and reception_space. Professional offerings include cremation, burial, and pre_planning_services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,995. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,795, while direct cremation is available from $2,995. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic.
Sunset Cemetery Funeral Home & Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 7405 Mullan Rd. in Missoula, MT. The property features well-appointed spaces including sunset memorial gardens, sunset cemetery, and mausoleum. Professional offerings include personalized service, immediate need services, and cremation, 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 $5,495, while direct cremation is available from $2,995. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Lutheran (Missouri Synod).
Whitesitt Funeral Home & Cremation Service is a premier funeral home located at 314 Church St. in Stevensville, MT. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel. Professional offerings include funeral service arrangements, cremation service, and burial caskets, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,375. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,640, while direct cremation is available from $2,375. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically All Faiths, Catholic, Methodist, Assemblies of God, and Non-denominational Christian.
Daly Leach Memorial Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 1010 West Main St. in Hamilton, MT. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel and crematory. Professional offerings include traditional services, cremation services, and memorial service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,460. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,690, while direct cremation is available from $2,460. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic.