Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Grafton National Cemetery
Grafton National Cemetery is located in West Grafton, Taylor County, WV.
In 1867, Maj. R. C. Bates was ordered by the War Department to locate a permanent burial site for the Union soldiers who had died in hospitals and battlefields throughout West Virginia. Bates chose the Grafton location because it was relatively level in a region noted for mountainous terrain and it was near Maple Avenue Cemetery where many war dead had already been buried. The federal government appropriated the three-acre site in 1867. The steep slope was graded into three terraces with a walkway down the center that divides the cemetery into two equal parts. The first interments were in the lower two terraces: 1,252 Union soldiers, 613 of them unknown. Six-inch square markers distinguish the unknown remains. Approximately half the original interments came from Clarksburg, WV. Other remains were brought to the national cemetery from Wheeling, Rich Mountain and Fayette County.
In 1903, Thornesberry Baily Brown was reinterred at Grafton National Cemetery. Brown was rumored to be the first Union casualty of the Civil War, having been killed May 22, 1861, when he refused a Confederate sentry's order to halt and shot the sentry in the ear. The sentry responded by shooting Brown through the heart. The Brown monument is a marble obelisk that was erected by the GAR, Reno Post No. 7, and dedicated on April 28, 1904.
Grafton National Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Grafton National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Under Development.
Eligibility for burial at Grafton 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
The Grafton National Cemetery is in North Central West Virginia, located on Walnut Street in Grafton, WV, 16 miles East of Clarksburg, WV. From Interstate 79, take Exit 124 (Jerry Dove Drive-West Virginia-279 E), then onto Route 50 East for 14 miles.
Floral and grounds policy
The Grafton National Cemetery is not responsible for any items left at the gravesite. Flowers are placed at your own risk; they will not be replaced by the cemetery if they are lost, stolen or damaged.
Floral arrangements accompanying the casket or urn at the time of burial will be placed on the completed grave.
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
More than half of VA's national cemeteries originated with the Civil War and many are closed to some burials. Other sites were established to serve World War veterans and they continue to expand. Historic themes related with NCA's cemeteries and soldiers' lots vary, but visitors should understand "Why is it here?" NCA began by installing interpretive signs, or waysides, at more than 100 properties to observe the Civil War Sesquicentennial (2011–2015). Please follow the links below to see the interpretive signs for Grafton National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Grafton National Cemetery Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to Grafton National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- West Virginia National Cemetery — Grafton, WV (7 mi · open)
- National Cemetery of the Alleghenies — Bridgeville, PA (68 mi · open)
- Allegheny Cemetery Soldiers' Lot — Pittsburgh, PA (79 mi · closed)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Grafton National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Carpenter & Ford Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 209 Merchant Street in Fairmont, WV. The property features well-appointed spaces including viewing/visitation rooms, funeral/memorial service facilities, and chapel services (implied). Professional offerings include burial, cremation, and funeral, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,475. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,660, while direct cremation is available from $2,475. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian (various denominations) and Catholic.
Williams Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 226 North Sr 20 in Pine Grove, WV. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel and casket selection room. Professional offerings include traditional service, graveside service, and memorial service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,075. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,250, while direct cremation is available from $2,075. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, and Independent Pilgrim Church.
Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 220 N Walnut Street in Philippi, WV. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory, main chapel, and secondary chapel. Professional offerings include immediate support, pre planning, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,700, while direct cremation is available from $2,100.
Fred L. Jenkens Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 10 South High St. in Morgantown, WV. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, reception area, and hospitality area. Professional offerings include traditional services, cremation services, and memorial service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,940. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,305, while direct cremation is available from $2,940. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian denominations (as they offer services in churches and work with clergy).
McCulla Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 770 Fairmont Road in Morgantown, WV. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home. Professional offerings include burial services, burial pricing options, and cremation services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,650. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,985, while direct cremation is available from $2,650. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian (Protestant) and Christian (Catholic).
Smith Funeral & Cremation Care is a premier funeral home located at 108 Holland Ave. in Morgantown, WV. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory. Professional offerings include immediate need, traditional services, and cremation services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,495. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,995, while direct cremation is available from $2,495. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Evangelical Methodist.
Hastings Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 153 Spruce St. in Morgantown, WV. 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 $2,860.
Tomblyn Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 45 Randolph Avenue in Elkins, WV. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home facilities. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and service options, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,895. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,725, while direct cremation is available from $1,895.