Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Lebanon National Cemetery
Lebanon National Cemetery is located on the outskirts of the community of Lebanon in Marion County, KY. In September 1861, Colonel John M. Harlan from Springfield, IL, established Camp Crittenden at Lebanon and began recruiting the 10th Kentucky Infantry regiment. From November of that year, Lebanon had become the primary staging center for General George H. Thomas' Mill Spring camp. The town remained an important Union supply depot during the Civil War, as well as a major center for Union hospitals. Even after the fighting moved south during the last two years of the war, at least one military hospital continued to operate in town. During the same period, Lebanon was a major recruiting camp for "colored troops." Over 2,053 men were recruited, the overwhelming majority of whom had been slaves in the region.
Official records indicate the U.S. government first obtained the land for the cemetery in 1862, but it was not designated a national cemetery until 1867. The original interments were the scattered remains of Union soldiers from Lebanon and the surrounding countryside. There were 865 total original interments including 281 unknowns. The original triangular tract is bounded by a stonewall and it contains an 1870s lodge occupied by the superintendent and the remains of a rostrum.
In 1984, a donation of 3.4 acres brought the cemetery to 5.8 acres. An additional donation of 9 acres brought the cemetery to its current size. The cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Lebanon National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Under Development.
Eligibility for burial at Lebanon 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
Cemetery is located on the Southern edge of Lebanon, Kentucky.
From Louisville International Airport take Interstate 65 North to Highway 245 South. Follow Highway 245 South to Highway 150 East. Follow Highway 150 East to Highway 55 South. Follow Highway 55 South to Highway 208 South. Follow Highway 208 South to the cemetery.
Floral and grounds policy
Lebanon National Cemetery is not responsible for any items left at gravesites.
Floral arrangements (up to six arrangements) accompanying the casket or urn at the time of burial will be placed on the completed gravesite by cemetery staff. They 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
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 Lebanon National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Lebanon 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 Lebanon National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Danville National Cemetery — Danville, KY (28 mi · closed)
- Camp Nelson National Cemetery — Nicholasville, KY (40 mi · open)
- Kentucky Veterans Cemetery - Central — Radcliff, KY (44 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Lebanon National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Mattingly Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 195 Holy Cross Road in Loretto, KY. The property features well-appointed spaces including large modern chapel, coffee lounge, and restrooms. Professional offerings include burial, cremation, and mausoleum entombment, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,885. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $1,985, while direct cremation is available from $1,885. The standard basic services fee for the funeral director and staff is $1,485. Additional typical expenses include embalming ($615) and use of facilities for viewing ($675). The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic.
Carey & Son Funeral Home, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 216 East Main St. in Springfield, KY. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Professional offerings include funeral service, memorial service, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,095. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Presbyterian.
Parrott & Ramsey Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 418 Lebanon Avenue in Campbellsville, KY. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and traditional services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors.
Cowherd & Parrott Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 206 South Main Street in Greensburg, KY. The property features well-appointed spaces including visitation rooms, chapel, and showroom. General services start at $1,995. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,950. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist, Methodist, Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, Presbyterian, and Catholic.
Foster-Toler-Curry Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 209 West Court Street in Greensburg, KY. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. General services start at $1,220. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,220. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist, Methodist, and Christian (general, as they work with clergy and celebrants).
W.L. Pruitt Funeral Home, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 5590 Hwy. 2141 in Hustonville, KY. The property features well-appointed spaces including modern facilities, on-site crematorium, and handicapped accessible. Professional offerings include pre-planning, at-need planning, and funeral services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $5,895. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,465, while direct cremation is available from $1,615. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist and Methodist.
Bennett-Bertram Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 208 West Water Street in Hodgenville, KY. The property features well-appointed spaces including main chapel, casket room, and lounge. Professional offerings include traditional service with burial, traditional service with cremation, and visitation and funeral service on the same day, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,845. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,345, while direct cremation is available from $1,845. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Methodist, Baptist, Christadelphian, Christian, and Catholic.
Stith Funeral Home of Danville is a premier funeral home located at 318 West Broadway in Danville, KY. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, reception center, and urn garden. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and life celebrations, 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 $2,595, while direct cremation is available from $2,295. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Presbyterian, Baptist, Catholic, and Christian (Non-denominational).