Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Fort Winnebago Cemetery Soldiers' Lot
Fort Winnebago Cemetery Soldiers’ Lot is located near the site of Old Fort Winnebago, 2.5 miles north of Portage, Wisconsin. Established in 1828, Fort Winnebago was one in a series of forts along the Fox-Wisconsin Waterway, a portage used to link the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers, connecting Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. Jefferson Davis was stationed at Fort Winnebago as a young soldier, before going on to become the president of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War.
Interments in the post cemetery began in 1835. Fort Winnebago closed in 1853 and was sold at a public sale. Although not exempted from the sale, the cemetery property was omitted from the deed. As a result, by default, the United States retained the post cemetery. The 2-acre site was designated as a soldiers’ lot in 1862. There are 75 gravesites in the lot, including dead from the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, Spanish-American War and World War I.
Monuments and Memorials In 1924 the Wau-Bun chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution erected a granite boulder monument dedicated to the memory of the unknown dead. The monument also marks the site of the surrender of Winnebago chief Red Wing in 1827 to the Euro-American settlers of the region.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Fort Winnebago Cemetery Soldiers' Lot, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Under Development.
Eligibility for burial at Fort Winnebago Cemetery Soldiers' Lot
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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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
Take Interstate 94 toward Madison, Wisconsin, to exit 108 North, 78 (51). Follow 78 North to 33 East. Take 33 East through the town of Portage. At the fork, marked by a red granite monument, ease left to Highway EE. Follow Highway EE for approximately two blocks, the cemetery will be on the right side. The gate to the cemetery will be closed but not locked.
From Dane County Regional Airport: The airport is 40.9 miles to the cemetery. From the airport turn right on Darwin Road. Turn right on Packers Avenue. Continue on County Road CV; continue on Anderson Road/County Road Q. Turn left on US-51. From US-51 take Interstate 39 North/Interstate 90 West/Interstate 94 West, exit 108B. Merge onto Interstate 39 North. Continue on West State Road 33 and turn right on East Cook Street. Continue on WI-33 and turn left on Garrison. From Garrison turn right onto Military Road. From Military Road turn left on Quarry Road and then bear right on CR-EE. The cemetery will be on your right.
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.
Christmas wreaths, grave blankets and other seasonal adornments may be placed on graves from December 1 through January 20. They may not be secured to headstones or markers.
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 Winnebago Cemetery Soldiers' Lot (by straight-line distance):
- Forest Hill Cemetery Soldiers' Lot — Madison, WI (38 mi · closed)
- Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery — King, WI (51 mi · open)
- Wood National Cemetery Annex — Milwaukee, WI (79 mi · closed)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Fort Winnebago Cemetery Soldiers' Lot have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 430 West Wisconsin Street in Portage, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapels and ada compliant facilities. Professional offerings include funeral service, pre-planning, and grief support, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,700. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,045, while direct cremation is available from $3,700. The standard basic services fee for the funeral director and staff is $2,950. Additional typical expenses include embalming ($795) and use of facilities for viewing ($225). The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Seventh-day Adventist, Assembly of God, and Bible Church.
Grasse Funeral Service is a premier funeral home located at 401 Angel Way in Rio, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory and reception hall. Professional offerings include traditional services, cremation, and funeral services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,395. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,995, while direct cremation is available from $2,395. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Lutheran, Catholic, Assemblies of God, and Congregational.
Wachholz & Sons Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 303 Harvard St. in Princeton, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory and funeral home chapel. Professional offerings include funeral services, pre-planning, and online memorials, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $3,125. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Lutheran, Methodist, Catholic, Jehovah's Witnesses, Federated Church, Bible Church, Evangelical Free Church, Community Church, Pentecostal, Baptist, Congregational, Assembly of God, and Reform Church.
Wiecki-Skipchak Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 116 South Adams Avenue in Berlin, WI. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Wiecki-Skipchak is a premier funeral home located at 116 South Adams Ave. in Berlin, WI. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Professional offerings include aftercare grief sessions, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian (General), Lutheran, Methodist, United Church of Christ, Baptist, and Assemblies of God.
Farber Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 2000 Viking Dr. in Reedsburg, WI. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,900.
Informed Choice Funeral & Cremation Alternatives is a premier funeral home located at 2247 South 108Th Street in West Allis, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including clean, comfortable, and convenient facilities, updated and impeccably maintained locations, and non-funeral home environment. Professional offerings include funerals, cremation, and online planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,100. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,795, while direct cremation is available from $2,720. The standard basic services fee for the funeral director and staff is $2,100. Additional typical expenses include embalming ($850) and use of facilities for viewing ($1,550).
Farber Funeral Services, LLC is a premier funeral home located at 2000 Viking Drive in Reedsburg, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including reedsburg location, cazenovia chapel, and handicap accessible. Professional offerings include funeral packages, cremation packages, and aftercare services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,900. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $6,475, while direct cremation is available from $2,900. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Church of God.