Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Mobile National Cemetery
Mobile National Cemetery was established in 1865 after the Port of Mobile fell into Union hands under the assault of Rear Admiral David Farragut during the Civil War.
Two years after defeating the Confederate fleet at Vicksburg, Farragut was summoned from his New York home to lead an attack on Mobile Bay, the last Confederate stronghold in the Gulf of Mexico. Mobile was not only protected by Fort Morgan and a fleet of wooden vessels, but also by the formidable confederate ship, the Tennessee and a field of explosive mines called torpedoes. Undaunted, Farragut readied his fleet for battle. Using a strategy that had worked before, he ordered his wooden ships lashed together in pairs, one large ship and one small ship. In this manner, if the larger frigate was disabled in battle, the smaller vessel could tow it to safety.
Farragut's fleet of wooden ships, along with four small ironclad monitors, began the attack on Mobile Bay early in the morning of August 5, 1864. When the smoke of battle became so thick that he couldn't see, Farragut climbed the rigging of the Hartford and lashed himself near the top of the mainsail to get a better view. It wasn't long before the Tecumseh, one of the monitors leading the way, was struck by a torpedo and sank. In a state of confusion, the fleet came to a halt in front of the powerful guns of Fort Morgan. Realizing the fleet was reluctant to move forward due to the "infernal machines," Farragut rallied his men to victory, shouting: "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!"
The Union fleet steamed through the minefield, blasted Fort Morgan, and captured the Confederate ironclad Tennessee. Mobile Bay fell into Union hands in one of the most decisive naval victories of the Civil War.
When Union forces first took Mobile, they interred their casualties in portions of the city-owned Magnolia Cemetery, but following the Army's request for additional burial space, Mobile provided the Union troops with three acres. The first interments were remains from surrounding military sites and forts. An inspector's report of the cemetery, dated February 1871, states that of 841 burials only 124 were identified. In 1872, the Army ranked Mobile a first-class cemetery, a categorization probably based on size and activity; by 1876 it was reassessed as a second-class cemetery.
In addition to the number of Civil War dead, a number of Apache Indians are buried in Mobile National Cemetery. After Geronimo's surrender, members of the Apache nation were first sent to Florida, then transferred to Vernon Barracks. During their time at the barracks, 13 fell ill and were subsequently buried here, including Chappo, the son of the great Apache leader Geronimo.
Mobile National Cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
Monuments and Memorials The 76th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment Monument was erected in 1892 by survivors of the Battle of Port Blakely, AL, in honor of their fallen comrades.
The Confederate Fortification Monument marks the remains of an old Confederate breastwork. The granite monument was erected by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1940.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Mobile 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 First Class John Dury New (World War II).
He received the Medal of Honor posthumously for service in the U.S. Marine Corps, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in recognition of gallantry and self-sacrifice on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, September 25, 1944. New is buried in Section 7, Site 2147.
Other Burials Chappo, son of Apache Indian Geronimo .
Section 1, Site 621-B
Larry (Lanny) Fun, cousin of Geronimo .
Section 3, Site 656-C
841 Civil War dead, which includes 628 Union soldiers, 23 civilian employees of the U S Army, 112 Unknowns, and 78 US Colored Troops representing 10 Infantry regiments from various states.
There are also 4 Confederate soldiers interred in the cemetery.
Eligibility for burial at Mobile 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 the Mobile Airport, travel east on Airport Boulevard approximately eight miles to Old Government Street. Turn right and travel ¼ mile to Government Street. Bear to your left and stay on Government (east) about two miles to South Ann Street. Turn right and proceed one mile then turn left onto Virginia Street. Cemetery is on your left.
Floral and grounds policy
Cemetery policies are conspicuously posted and readily visible to the public.
Floral arrangements accompanying the casket or urn at the time of burial will be placed on the completed grave. Natural cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time of the year. 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 Mobile National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Mobile 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 Mobile National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Mobile National Cemetery (Post Section) — Mobile, AL (0 mi · closed)
- Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort — Spanish Fort, AL (10 mi · open)
- Barrancas National Cemetery Annex — Pensacola, FL (51 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Mobile National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Small's Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 8822 County Road 64 in Daphne, AL. The property features well-appointed spaces including beautifully appointed staterooms, parlors, and chapel. Professional offerings include celebration of life services, traditional funeral services, and pre-planning services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,295. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,775, while direct cremation is available from $1,295. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian (Baptist) and All faiths, religions, and nationalities (general accommodation).
B.E. Brown & Co. Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 5817 Grelot Road in Mobile, AL. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home and church. Professional offerings include veteran services, funeral service, and cremation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors.
Radney Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 1200 Industrial Parkway in Saraland, AL. The property features well-appointed spaces including flexible event space, celebration of life center, and large chapel. Professional offerings include cremation, burial, and traditional funeral service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,195. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,195. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Episcopal, and Nondenominational Christian.
Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 19698 Greeno Rd. in Fairhope, AL. The property features well-appointed spaces including fairhope chapel, daphne chapel, and elberta chapel. Professional offerings include cremation services, traditional funeral service, and memorial service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,200. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,000, while direct cremation is available from $1,200. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist and Christian.
Mack Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 22154 State Highway 59 N in Robertsdale, AL. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory and monument services. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and veteran services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,650. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,920, while direct cremation is available from $1,650.
Norris Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 402 East Second St. in Bay Minette, AL. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel. Professional offerings include traditional services, cremation, and merchandise, 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 $2,995, while direct cremation is available from $2,995. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Pentecostal, Methodist, Community of Christ, Baptist, Catholic, Episcopal, and Presbyterian.
Moments Funeral Home, LLC is a premier funeral home located at 7158 Hwy. 63 S in Lucedale, MS. The property features well-appointed spaces including elegant chapel, antique upright family heirloom piano, and spacious lounge. Professional offerings include traditional services, funeral services, and memorial services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,895. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,000, while direct cremation is available from $1,895. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Pentecostal, Church of Christ, Church of God, and Latter-Day Saints.
Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home - Vancleave is a premier funeral home located at 4901 Jim Ramsay Rd. in Vancleave, MS. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel, crematory, and cemetery. Professional offerings include funeral service, cremation, and preplanning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,557. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,375, while direct cremation is available from $2,557. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Methodist, Catholic, and Episcopal.