Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Lexington National Cemetery
Lexington National Cemetery originated in 1861 as a small soldier's lot within Lexington City Cemetery, a place that in its heyday was considered "one of the most beautiful and carefully kept rural cemeteries in the United States." The first burial in the soldier's lot was made during the Civil War on November 28, 1861. In 1863, the soldiers' lot was designated a national cemetery. In 1867, the government purchased an additional 0.38 acres that doubled the cemetery's size to its current three-quarters of an acre.
The cemetery tract is triangular, with graves arranged in concentric circles. Its boundaries are marked by carved marble posts emblazoned with "US." A bronze plaque identifies this property as Lexington National Cemetery. Of the original burials, 671 were non-commissioned officers and privates who died in hospitals or camps operating around Lexington during the war. After the war, Quartermaster Corps personnel were charged with locating all Union soldier's remains and re-interring them in national cemeteries. Additional soldiers who had fallen in battles at Falmouth, Cynthiana, Mount Sterling, Paris and along the Kentucky Central Railroad line were buried at Lexington National Cemetery.
The soldier's portion closed to burials in 1939, but it and the surrounding city cemetery remain a neatly maintained and picturesque burial ground. It was listed on National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
Monuments and Memorials By 1869, a 32-pound seacoast artillery gun was mounted vertically as a memorial, like those found in many other national cemeteries, but it was removed early in the 20th century. There are no monuments or memorials in the cemetery today.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Lexington National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Under Development.
Eligibility for burial at Lexington 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 in the city of Lexington. The nearest airport is Lexington Blue Grass Airport. Take Versailles Road to Circle 4 West to Leestown Road onto Lexington's Main Street. The National Cemetery is located within the Lexington Cemetery.
Floral and grounds policy
Lexington National Cemetery is not responsible for any items left at gravesites.
Floral arrangements (up to six) accompanying the casket or urn at the time of burial will be placed on the completed gravesite by cemetery staff. Natural cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time. 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 Lexington National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Lexington 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 Lexington National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Camp Nelson National Cemetery — Nicholasville, KY (20 mi · open)
- Danville National Cemetery — Danville, KY (32 mi · closed)
- Kentucky Veterans Cemetery - North — Williamstown, KY (38 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Lexington National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Bluegrass Cremation Service, LLC is a premier funeral home located at 608 West Fourth St. in Lexington, KY. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory and chapel. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and burial services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,687. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,200, while direct cremation is available from $2,687.
Johnson's Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 641 South Broadway in Georgetown, KY. The property features well-appointed spaces including flexible event space, modern funeral home, and large chapel (up to 250 capacity). Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and burial services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,430. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,900, while direct cremation is available from $2,430.
Clark Legacy Center is a premier funeral home located at 3000 Versailles Rd. in Frankfort, KY. The property features well-appointed spaces including new building, reception room, and chapel. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and event planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,830. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,450, while direct cremation is available from $1,830. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholicism, Christianity (Methodist, Baptist, Episcopalian, Presbyterian), Judaism (Reform branch), Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.9-star Google rating across 137 reviews.
Blackburn and Ward Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 161 Broadway in Versailles, KY. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory. Professional offerings include burial services, cremation services, and specialty funeral services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,195. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,725, while direct cremation is available from $2,195. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Church of Christ.
Tucker-Yocum & Wilson Funeral Home Inc is a premier funeral home located at 320 West Main Street in Georgetown, KY. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral chapel. Professional offerings include burial services, cremation services, and specialty funeral services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,650, while direct cremation is available from $2,255. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and Church of God.
Betts & West Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 404 North Main St. in Nicholasville, KY. 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 $1,895.
Hager & Cundiff Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 207 West Oak St. in Nicholasville, KY. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel and arrangements room. Professional offerings include cremation, burial, and funeral services, 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 $4,995, while direct cremation is available from $2,475.
Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 1120 Main St. in Paris, KY. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, reception area, and mausoleums. Professional offerings include funeral services, permanent memorialization, and honoring veterans, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,995. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,100. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Baptist, Christian (Disciples of Christ), Episcopal, Methodist, and Non-Denominational Christian.