Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Hot Springs National Cemetery
Hot Springs National Cemetery is located in Fall River County, SD, on the northeast edge of Hot Springs, SD.
In 1902, a National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers was approved for the Hot Springs area and construction was completed in 1907. The home was originally named the Battle Mountain Sanitarium after a nearby mountain peak. The cemetery was established for the interment of veterans who died while residing at the home. In 1930, the home became part of the Veterans Administration and, in 1973, the cemetery was one of 21 cemeteries transferred to what was then known as the National Cemetery System.
Hot Springs National Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Monuments and Memorials The Battle Mountain Monument is a 32-foot tall obelisk tower situated on the cemetery's highest point. The monument was dedicated in 1914 in memory of the men who gave their lives in defense of the country.
The Squire Monument is a granite block memorial erected in 1940 to honor Army Chaplain Guy P. Squire. He served in the Spanish-American War and World War I, and later served as chaplain at the Hot Springs VA Medical Facility. The monument was erected by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, District 10.
Bivouac of the Dead erected 2004.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Hot Springs National 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:
Lieutenant Charles L.
Russell (Civil War). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company H, 93rd New York Infantry, for actions at Spotsylvania, VA, May 12, 1864. Russell died in 1910 and is buried in Section 3, Row 1, Site 12.
Eligibility for burial at Hot Springs 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
From Rapid City Regional Airport, travel State Highway 44 West 9 miles to Rapid City. Then travel South on State Highway 79 for 52 miles to junction of 79 and 385. Turn right on Highway 385 and travel 5 miles to Hot Springs. Turn right on 5th Street and travel until you come to a T. Turn right at the T onto Veteran Administration Road, take the right to VA Cemetery Road and then turn left at the first intersection onto Cemetery Access Road.
Floral and grounds policy
You can place fresh cut flowers on your loved one's grave throughout the year.
Floral items will be removed from graves when they become faded or unsightly. They may also be removed to allow 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
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 Hot Springs National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Black Hills National Cemetery — Sturgis, SD (63 mi · open)
- Akicita Owicahe Lakota Freedom Veterans Cemetery — Kyle, SD (64 mi · open)
- Fort Meade National Cemetery — Sturgis, SD (66 mi · closed)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Hot Springs National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Chamberlain McColley Funeral Homes, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 234 North 6th St. in Custer, SD. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel, memory tables, and memory boards. Professional offerings include funeral service, memorial service, and pre-planning, 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 $4,565, while direct cremation is available from $2,690. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, United Church of Christ, Lutheran, Baptist, Presbyterian USA, United Methodist, Episcopal, Assembly of God, Seventh Day Adventist, and Evangelical Free Church.
Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 2700 Jackson Boulevard in Rapid City, SD. The property features well-appointed spaces including facility. Professional offerings include burial, cremation, and pre-planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,620. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,875, while direct cremation is available from $2,620. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Lutheran, Catholic, Episcopal, Methodist, and Wesleyan.
Kirk Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 1051 East Minnesota St. in Rapid City, SD. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel and visitation facilities. Professional offerings include pre-planning, funeral service with ceremonial rental casket followed by cremation, and cremation followed by a premier memorial service, 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 $4,540, while direct cremation is available from $1,995. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically United Methodist, Lutheran, and Wesleyan.
Kirk Funeral Home & Cremation Services is a premier funeral home located at 1051 East Minnesota Street in Rapid City, SD. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Worden Funeral Directors is a premier funeral home located at 111 South Railroad Ave. in Newcastle, WY. The property features well-appointed spaces including meridian mortuary. Professional offerings include personalized service, immediate need, and cremation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Methodist, Non-denominational Christian, Catholic, Baptist, Episcopal, and Foursquare.
Chamberlain Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 1700 Hwy. 20 in Chadron, NE. The property features well-appointed spaces including traditional funeral services, cremation services, and personalization services (photos, videos, artwork, music, readings). Professional offerings include immediate need, traditional services, and cremation services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,940. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $3,940. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Lutheran (LCMS, ELCA), Methodist, and Baptist.