Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Fort Stevens National Cemetery
The headstones and the life histories of those at rest relates the history of the lower Columbia River and coastal area. This hallowed ground is the final resting place for local men and women who served in the military, as well as military spouses and children. There are also those who sacrificed their lives to save others and civilian builders who gave their lives to construct Columbia River defenses. The victims of the Graveyard of the Pacific (the treacherous mouth of the Columbia River) are also buried here.
In 1866 the Fort Stevens Quartermaster received authority to construct a cemetery. A serene site in a grove of trees was selected. Located on the road to Clatsop Plains, it was established as 165 feet by 104 feet, surrounded by a soldier-built white picket fence. In the fall of 1905, due to main cantonment expansion, the cemetery was moved to a new location on the southern edge of the post.
The War Department in 1912 ordered consolidation of cemeteries with Fort Stevens as the central location for this region. In 1913, fifty burials from Fort Canby were reinterred at Fort Stevens. The Fort Canby burials included Cape Disappointment Lighthouse personnel and family members.
The 1940s had few burials. In December 1949 the cemetery was transferred to the City of Hammond. The Army reacquired it in 1956 and maintained the active cemetery until its transfer to the National Cemetery Administration in 2020. There was a gap of over 20 years without a burial. In 1970, the cemetery became active again with two Vietnam War Soldiers laid to rest that year.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Fort Stevens National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
We are developing content for this section.
Eligibility for burial at Fort Stevens 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
Fort Stevens National Cemetery is located off the Columbia River in Hammond, OR. The closest major airport to Fort Stevens is Portland International Airport (PDX). This airport is in Portland, OR and is 106 miles from the center of Fort Stevens. The closest airport to Fort Stevens is Astoria Regional Airport, which is mainly used for small aircraft and private planes and is 8 miles from Fort Stevens National Cemetery.
Floral and grounds policy
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.
Artificial flowers and potted plants will be permitted on graves between November 1 and March 1. As a rule, artificial flowers and potted plants will be allowed on graves for a period extending five days before through five days after Easter Sunday and Memorial Day.
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 Stevens National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Vancouver Barracks National Cemetery — Vancouver, WA (74 mi · unknown)
- Willamette National Cemetery — Portland, OR (85 mi · open)
- Tahoma National Cemetery — Kent, WA (121 mi · open)