Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Fort Worden Post Cemetery
Construction of the Fort Worden military defense installation began in 1896. It was one of three major fortifications protecting Puget Sound. The three, Fort Casey, Fort Flagler, and Fort Worden eventually became known as the triangle of fire, protecting the Puget Sound entrance from feared Spanish American War naval attacks, and any naval attacks from other nations.
Fort Worden was activated in May 1902 and was named for a naval officer, Admiral John Lorimer Worden (1818–1897), captain of the ironclad Civil War vessel USS Monitor.
The first troops arrived in May 1902 and Fort Worden was fully operational in 1905 as the Headquarters of the Puget Sound Harbor Defense Command. On June 2, 1902, one month after post activation, the first death occurred. Private Elisha Webb (1879–1902) of McMinn County, Tennessee died of illness. Private Webb was a soldier in the 126th Coast Artillery and he was buried in the new cemetery.
In 1903 the Secretary of War directed that Fort Worden be the official burial grounds for the three Puget Sound harbor defense forts. Since then, the cemetery has over 430 interments that include service members, spouses and dependents from the Spanish American War to current engagements.
In 1908, a monument named the Soldiers' Monument was erected in the cemetery. It had a pivot gun off the revenue cutter Jefferson Davis placed on a concrete pedestal. The monument honors all those who died in the service of this nation. During a scrap metal drive for World War II the pivot gun was removed and melted down for the war effort. It was replaced with a 1918 German howitzer. The gun and pedestal, along with the American Flag, are the center features of the cemetery.
In World War I artillery Soldiers going to European battlefields trained here. Between the wars the post had a small force and rearmed. In World War II the Fort was home to the 14th Coast Artillery Regiment and the joint Navy-Army Harbor Defense Command. Emphasis shifted to anti-aircraft artillery. Outdated coastal artillery was scrapped.
After World War II, Fort Worden was determined to be obsolete and the Harbor Defense Command closed in June 1953. In 1957 Washington State purchased the property for a youth treatment center. Budget cuts in 1971 closed the youth treatment center and it then became a Washington state park. The cemetery was not included in the land transfer and remained an active Army cemetery until transferred to the National Cemetery Administration in August 2020.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Fort Worden Post 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 Worden 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.
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 closest airport is William R Fairchild International Airport (CLM), which is approximately 62 miles from Ft. Worden Post Cemetery.
Depart William R Fairchild International Airport: 1402 Fairchild Airport Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98363.
Floral and grounds policy
Cemetery policies are conspicuously posted and readily visible to the public.
The cemetery staff will place three floral arrangements, which accompanied the urn at the time of burial, on the completed grave. Natural cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time of the year and will be removed when they become unsightly or when it becomes necessary to facilitate cemetery operations such as 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 Worden Post Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Fort Lawton Post Cemetery — Seattle, WA (37 mi · closed)
- Tahoma National Cemetery — Kent, WA (60 mi · open)
- Fort Stevens National Cemetery — Hammond, OR (145 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Fort Worden Post Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Wallin-Stucky Funeral Home - Freeland is a premier funeral home located at 5533 East Harbor Road in Freeland, WA. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Solie Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 3301 Colby Ave. in Everett, WA. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory and chapel. Professional offerings include traditional funeral services, contemporary funeral services, and hometown funeral services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,065. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,655, while direct cremation is available from $2,065. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically All Faiths, Lutheran, and Cambodian Buddhist/Cultural Traditions.
Weller Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 327 North Macleod Avenue in Arlington, WA. The property features well-appointed spaces including flexible event space, flexible chapel space, and chapel. Professional offerings include funeral service, cremation, and memorial service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,955. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,395, while direct cremation is available from $1,955. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian Funeral Traditions, Buddhist Funeral Traditions, Catholic Funeral Traditions, Hispanic Funeral Traditions, Hindu Funeral Traditions, Muslim Funeral Traditions, Christian Funeral Traditions (Protestant), Jewish Funeral Traditions, and Black Funeral Traditions.
Cypress Lawn Memorial Park is a premier funeral home located at 1615 Southeast Everett Mall Way in Everett, WA. The property features well-appointed spaces including gardens, mausoleums, and cremation gardens. Professional offerings include traditional burial, cremation, and pre-planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic Funeral Traditions, Muslim Funeral Traditions, Asian Funeral Traditions, Buddhist Funeral Traditions, Hispanic Funeral Traditions, Hindu Funeral Traditions, Jewish Funeral Traditions, Black Funeral Traditions, Christian Funeral Traditions, and Protestant Funeral Traditions.
Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 11111 Aurora Ave. N in Seattle, WA. The property features well-appointed spaces including cemetery, flexible event space, and celebration of life center. Professional offerings include funeral service, cremation, and water cremation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,965. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,565, while direct cremation is available from $2,965. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Jewish, Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian.
Miller-Woodlawn Memorial Park is a premier funeral home located at 5505 Kitsap Way in Bremerton, WA. The property features well-appointed spaces including flexible event space, mountain views, and waterside views. Professional offerings include funeral service video production, catered events, and intimate gatherings, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,880. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,340. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Protestant, Christian (general), Episcopal, Presbyterian, Seventh-Day Adventist, Pentecostal, Lutheran, and Methodist.
Butterworth Funeral Home - Arthur A. Wright Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 520 West Raye St. in Seattle, WA. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, reception hall, and private family room. Professional offerings include burial, cremation, and water cremation, 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 $3,895, while direct cremation is available from $1,920. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Jewish, Catholic, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Protestant/Christian.
Recompose is a premier funeral home located at 4 South Idaho Street in Seattle, WA. The property features well-appointed spaces including greenhouse (33 vessels), gathering space, and cedar room. Professional offerings include human composting, immediate need, and imminent pathway, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $7,000. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $7,000, while direct cremation is available from $7,000. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian (Catholic) and Spiritual.