Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Jefferson City National Cemetery
The region around Jefferson City National Cemetery has a rich and international history. French explorers Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette first surveyed the mouth of the Missouri River in 1673. In 1682, the French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de la Salle, traveled down the Mississippi and claimed the extended area for France. In 1715, Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac opened a lead mine in present-day Madison County, MO; Philip Renault, another Frenchman, worked the mines in this area with slaves until 1744. In the mid 18th century the first two permanent white settlements, St. Genevieve and St. Louis, were carved out of the region. Soon after 1789, the Spanish built the El Camino Real (the King's Highway) northward from New Madrid to St. Louis. It is still used today, designated as U.S. Highway 61.
In the early 1810s, Jefferson City, then known as Lohman's Landing, became an increasingly important trading post for immigrants beginning their westward journey on the Santa Fe and, later, Oregon trails. As part of a compromise plan between major population centers in the eastern and the western portions of the state, Jefferson City was chosen as the capital in 1821 and the legislature began to meet there five years later. In 1839 the site was incorporated as a city.
During the Civil War, the city's sentiments were divided between North and South. Jefferson City, however, saw little military action with one exception. On September 27, 1864, a guerrilla force commanded by William Anderson burned a train and killed 17 Union soldiers and several civilian passengers. Many of the soldiers had been wounded on the battlefield and were returning home. Later that day, a federal force followed Anderson and his men to their camp where a bloody battle took place. The Union troops were routed and forced to retreat. Almost 10 years later, the remains of the men who had died in the skirmish were reinterred in Jefferson City National Cemetery.
Burials in Jefferson City National Cemetery date to summer 1861; its original purpose was for the burial of Civil War soldiers from the surrounding area. The site of the cemetery, which local residents Israel and Mary Read sold to the government, was surveyed for classification as a national cemetery during the war. However, its official designation did not occur until 1867, after the war and approximately 350 interments were completed.
Jefferson City National Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 1, 1998.
Monuments and Memorials The 39th Regiment Monument of Centralia, MO, was erected around 1868. It commemorates members of Companies A, G and H of the 39th Regiment of the Missouri Volunteer Infantry who were killed in action at Centralia on September 27, 1864. The monument marks the trench burial of the 118 men interred there.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Jefferson City National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Under Development.
Eligibility for burial at Jefferson City 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 cemetery is approximately five miles west of Memorial Airport. From the airport, take Highway 54 turning left (west) across the bridge to Jefferson City. Take Highway 50 exit east and travel to Clark Avenue (five traffic lights). Exit on Clark Avenue and turn left (north) at the "T" intersection with a traffic light, turn left (west) on McCarty Street. Travel one block to the cemetery on your left.
Floral and grounds policy
Fresh cut flowers may be placed at gravesites at any time.
Artificial floral arrangements may be placed on gravesites starting the second Saturday in October through the second Sunday in April.
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 Jefferson City National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Jefferson City 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 Jefferson City National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Missouri State Veterans Cemetery - Fort Leonard Wood — Waynesville, MO (54 mi · open)
- Missouri State Veterans Cemetery - Jacksonville — Jacksonville, MO (72 mi · open)
- Missouri State Veterans Cemetery - Higginsville — Higginsville, MO (92 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Jefferson City National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Trimble Funeral Homes is a premier funeral home located at 3210 North Ten Mile Drive in Jefferson City, MO. The property features well-appointed spaces including onsite crematory, chapels, and modern facilities. Professional offerings include burial, cremation, and preplanning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,995. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,765, while direct cremation is available from $3,995. The standard basic services fee for the funeral director and staff is $3,775. Additional typical expenses include embalming ($1,050) and use of facilities for viewing ($295). The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Lutheran, and Methodist.
Trimble Funeral Homes – Westphalia is a premier funeral home located at 1941 Highway 63 in Westphalia, MO. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Scrivner-Morrow Funeral Homes is a premier funeral home located at 204 West 3rd St. in Stover, MO. The property features well-appointed spaces including stover location, pilot grove location, and tipton location. Professional offerings include traditional burial, cremation, and memorial service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,945. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,945. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist, Lutheran, and Methodist.
Morton Chapel - Linn is a premier funeral home located at 911 Main St. in Linn, MO. The property features well-appointed spaces including linn chapel, chamois chapel, and on-site crematory. Professional offerings include traditional funerals, memorial services, and graveside ceremonies, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,795. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,795, while direct cremation is available from $1,795. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and United Methodist.
Trimble Funeral Homes – Russellville is a premier funeral home located at 5414 Simpson St in Russellville, MO. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Morton Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 911 East Main Street in Linn, MO. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Fancher Rekus Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 2247 Highway 17 in Iberia, MO. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel, visitation rooms, and cremation services. Professional offerings include veteran services, cremation, and funeral service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,400. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,315, while direct cremation is available from $2,400. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Christian Denominations. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 5.0-star Google rating across 2 reviews.
Morton Chapel - Chamois is a premier funeral home located at 405 West 4th St. in Chamois, MO. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.2-star Google rating across 6 reviews.