Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Marietta National Cemetery
During the Civil War, forces under the command of General William Tecumseh Sherman moved in and occupied the town. For the next five months, federal troops held the city under siege. In November 1864, troops commanded by Union General Hugh Kilpatrick set the town on fire before embarking on their infamous "March to the Sea."
Originally known as the "Marietta and Atlanta National Cemetery," the Marietta National Cemetery was established in 1866 to provide a suitable resting place for the nearly 10,000 Union dead from Sherman's Atlanta Campaign. Henry Cole, a local merchant who remained loyal to the Union throughout the war, offered land for a burial ground for both Union and Confederate dead. His hope was that by honoring those who had fallen together, others might learn to live in peace. Unfortunately, both sides clung to their bitterness and neither North nor South would accept Cole's offer toward reconciliation. When this effort failed, 24 acres were offered to General George H. Thomas for use of a national cemetery. In 1867 a second offer of land by Cole was accepted and a subsequent purchase of additional acreage in 1870 brought the cemetery to its present size of a little over 23 acres.
The cemetery site was, at one time, the proposed location of the capital of the Confederate States of America. The same Henry Cole who had attempted to donate his land for the national cemetery had refused an offer of $50,000 for the property because he "expected to put it to a better purpose." In recognition of Cole's gift, the government made express provision that a burial plat be set-aside for members of his family. Cole died April 18,1875, and was buried in what is now called the Cole Plot.
Daniel Webster Cole, son of the land donor, lived for many years in the family home across the street from the cemetery. A construction engineer, he drew the first map of the cemetery, which was later the basis for official layouts. The original sections of the cemetery were arranged in concentric circles around a flagstaff with paths radiating through the circles. The first interments were the remains of soldiers who had been buried where they fell. A granite memorial arch at the cemetery gate is inscribed: "Here rest the remains of 10,312 Officers and Soldiers who died in defense of the Union 1861–1865." Marietta National Cemetery was laid out by Union Army Chaplain Thomas B. Van Horne, who also laid out the Chattanooga National Cemetery. One of the national cemeteries constructed between 1861–1869, the design for Marietta National Cemetery was the most ornate and elaborate of its era.
Marietta National Cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 18, 1998.
Monuments and Memorials Marietta National Cemetery is home to one of five monumental masonry archways that originally served as the formal entrance to national cemeteries found in the South. Three are managed by NCA: Marietta, GA, built 1883; Chattanooga, TN, built ca.1880; and Nashville, TN, built ca.1870. These Roman-inspired structures are approximately 35 feet high with Doric columns, a pair of ornamental iron gates, and inscriptions above. The two other memorial arches are found at Arlington National Cemetery, built 1879, and Vicksburg National Cemetery, ca. 1880, properties managed by the Department of Defense and National Park Service, respectively.
A marble obelisk monument dedicated in honor of 20th Army Corps comrades was erected in May 1870.
The Wisconsin Monument honors 405 sons of the "badger state" who died in the Battle of Atlanta during the Civil War and are buried nearby. The GAR conceived of the monument and the state legislature approved $5,000 to procure it. The shaft of Wisconsin pink granite inscribed with regimental information is topped, appropriately, by a three-dimensional life-size bronze badger. The Fitzhugh Lee Camp 4, Spanish-American War Veterans, hosted the Memorial Day dedication on May 31, 1926, which included a parade of aging former Union and Confederate soldiers.
The Atlanta Chapter of the Gold Star Mothers organization dedicated the Gold Star Mothers Monument April 24, 1960.
The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association erected the Pearl Harbor Monument on December 7, 1996.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Marietta 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:
Private Dennis B.
Buckley (Civil War). He received the Medal of Honor posthumously for service in the U.S. Army, Company G, 136th New York Infantry, in recognition of actions at Peach Tree Creek, Georgia, July 20, 1864. He died that day and is buried in Section G, Site 6686.
Corporal Lee Hugh Phillips (Korea).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in recognition of great personal valor and risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in Korea, November 4, 1950. He was killed in action on November 27, 1950, during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir and is memorialized in Section MB, Site 8.
Other Burials John Clark, who distinguished himself as a soldier and civil servant, fought in the Revolutionary War and rose to the rank of major general.
He served in the House of Representatives 1801–1803, Georgia Senate 1803–1804.
Commander William Beauford Fields (Korea, Vietnam).
"Willie" Fields (1929–1992) was an American competition rower, Olympic gold medalist, and an officer in the U.S. Navy. He hailed from Forsyth, Georgia, and attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1954. In 1952, the Naval Academy's Rowing Crew participated in the 1952 Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki as the U.S. Olympic Rowing Team. Fields was a member of the team that defeated the Soviet Union and Australia to win the Gold Medal. Following his graduation from Annapolis, he served in Korea and Vietnam and retired in 1977 as a Commander. Following his retirement, he returned to Georgia and became a high school crew coach. He passed away in 1992 and now rests in Section D, Site 2631-A-1.
Major General Crump Garvin U.S.
Army was buried on September 10, 1990. He served for 38 years.
Eligibility for burial at Marietta 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 located in downtown Marietta. From Hartsfield International Airport, take Interstate 75 North to North Marietta Parkway (Exit 265). Turn left at traffic light and proceed to Cole Street approximately one mile and turn left. Continue on Cole Street for four blocks. Cemetery is at the corner of Cole Street and Washington Avenue.
Floral and grounds policy
Cemetery policies are conspicuously posted and readily visible to the public.
Fresh cut flowers may be placed on a grave at any time, but are recommended during the spring and summer months. Metal flower containers are provided and are located at the cemetery entrance. The flower containers will be removed from the grave when the flowers become unsightly. During the mowing season all floral items will be removed on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month.
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 Marietta National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Marietta 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 Marietta National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Georgia National Cemetery — Canton, GA (20 mi · open)
- Fort McClellan EPW Cemetery — Anniston, AL (75 mi · closed)
- Chattanooga National Cemetery — Chattanooga, TN (86 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Marietta National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
West Cobb Funeral Home & Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 2480 Macland Rd. in Marietta, GA. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel. Professional offerings include burial services, cremation services, and pre-need options, 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 $3,525, while direct cremation is available from $2,195. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian denominations, Church of God, and Catholic.
Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 2950 North Cobb Parkway in Kennesaw, GA. The property features well-appointed spaces including flexible event space, celebration of life center, and veterans cemetery section. Professional offerings include cremation, traditional funeral, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,390. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,690, while direct cremation is available from $2,695. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Asian Traditions, Buddhist, Hispanic Traditions, Hindu, Muslim, Christian (Protestant), Jewish, and Black Funeral Traditions.
Roy Davis Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 5935 Mulberry Street in Austell, GA. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, piano, and webcasting cameras. Professional offerings include cremation services, traditional burial services, and memorial service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,095. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,500, while direct cremation is available from $1,000. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist, Pentecostal, and All Faiths and Backgrounds.
Leaf Cremation is a premier funeral home located at 4325 Highway 92 in Acworth, GA. The property features well-appointed spaces including on_site_crematory, wheelchair_accessible, and ample_parking. Professional offerings include cremation, burial, and direct_cremation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,495. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $1,995, while direct cremation is available from $1,495. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist, Church of Christ, and Catholic.
West Georgia Crematory is a premier funeral home located at P.O Box 339 in Austell, GA. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel, piano, and webcasting cameras. Professional offerings include immediate need, pre-planning, and cremation 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 $3,195, while direct cremation is available from $2,195. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian, Baptist, and Non-denominational Christian.
Bellamy Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 3551 Jimmie Lee Smith Parkway in Hiram, GA. The property features well-appointed spaces including newly renovated facility, large chapel, and on-site crematory. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation, and pre-planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,695, while direct cremation is available from $1,795. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.7-star Google rating across 15 reviews.
Dressler's Jewish Funeral Care is a premier funeral home located at 3734 Chamblee Dunwoody Road in Atlanta, GA. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel. Professional offerings include funeral service, memorial service, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Jewish.
Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 1003 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd SW in Atlanta, GA. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.