Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Mound Cemetery Soldiers' Lot
Mound Cemetery is located in Racine, WI, about two miles west of downtown. The site was used as a burial ground by American Indians, and a number of burial mounds are extant. Joseph (Antoine) Ouilmette, a French-Canadian fur trader, first laid claim to a large tract of land in Racine in 1834. Norman Clarke, another early settler, purchased a portion of Ouilmette's land in 1839. In turn, Clarke and James Kinzie, who had become dual owners of the property, sold a 35-acre parcel to the city of Racine in 1851 for use as a cemetery. The first interment in Mound Cemetery occurred later that year. Dr. Philo R. Hoy, a local physician, was instrumental in the development of the cemetery. Hoy conducted archaeological investigations on the burial mounds, and as a member of the cemetery committee, he influenced the design of the cemetery plan to ensure that the mounds would be preserved.
After its establishment, all of the burials within the city limits were exhumed and reburied at Mound Cemetery. Through the late 19th century, it served as the primary burial ground for many citizens, including the founder of Racine, Joseph Knapp.
The 0.03-acre soldiers' lot is located in lots 1, 5, and 6 within Mound Cemetery. The city of Racine sold these to the federal government in 1868 for $40.25. There are fourteen interments in the soldiers' lot, including one unknown soldier. The thirteen other soldiers were members of Wisconsin military units who either died at local hospitals or at nearby Camp Utley.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Mound Cemetery Soldiers' Lot, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Under development.
Eligibility for burial at Mound Cemetery Soldiers' Lot
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 Mitchell International Airport (24.6 miles from the cemetery): Take Wisconsin-119 West. Take the Interstate 94/US-41 exit towards Chicago. Take the Wisconsin-20 exit towards Racine/Waterford, exit #333. Turn left on Washington Avenue then turn left on West Boulevard. Follow West Boulevard to the cemetery which will be on the right side of the road.
From the South: Depart I-94/US-41 North. At exit 333, take ramp right for WI-20 toward Racine/Waterford and travel .6 miles. Turn right onto SR-20 East/Washington Avenue and travel 7 miles. Turn left onto West Boulevard and arrive at Mound Cemetery.
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
We are developing educational content for this national cemetery, and will post new materials as they become available. Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
return to top
Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to Mound Cemetery Soldiers' Lot (by straight-line distance):
- Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery — Union Grove, WI (14 mi · open)
- Forest Home Cemetery Soldiers' Lot — Milwaukee, WI (21 mi · closed)
- Wood National Cemetery — Milwaukee, WI (22 mi · closed)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Mound Cemetery Soldiers' Lot have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Wilson Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 1212 Lathrop Ave. in Racine, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including hospitality room, chapel, and banquet room. Professional offerings include funeral, cremation, and traditional burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,150. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,595, while direct cremation is available from $2,150.
Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 803 Main Street in Racine, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel, handicapped accessible facility, and on-site crematory. Professional offerings include life story experience, pre-planning, and traditional burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,028. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,710, while direct cremation is available from $2,028. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Jewish. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.6-star Google rating across 35 reviews.
Maresh-Meredith & Acklam is a premier funeral home located at 803 Main St. in Racine, WI. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
West Lawn Memorial Park is a premier funeral home located at 9000 Washington Avenue in Racine, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including flexible event space, celebration of life center, and veterans cemetery section. Professional offerings include traditional ground burial, mausoleum crypts, and lawn crypts, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,400. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,250. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian Funeral Traditions, Buddhist Funeral Traditions, Catholic Funeral Traditions, Hispanic Funeral Traditions, Qingming Festival, Hindu Funeral Traditions, Muslim Funeral Traditions, Christian Funeral Traditions, Jewish Funeral Traditions, Black Funeral Traditions, Chung Yeung Festival, and Día de los Muertos.
Sturino Funeral Home of Racine, Inc is a premier funeral home located at 3014 Northwestern Avenue in Racine, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including mausoleum, outdoor cremation water garden, and gazebo. Professional offerings include funerals, burials, and cremation, 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 $3,495, while direct cremation is available from $1,995.
Purath-Strand Funeral Home and Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 3915 Douglas Avenue in Racine, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home facility and cremation facility. Professional offerings include cremation, traditional funeral services, and celebrations of life, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $6,395. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $1,795, while direct cremation is available from $1,850. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian, Jewish, and Islamic. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 5.0-star Google rating across 45 reviews.
Piasecki Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 3720 39th Ave. in Kenosha, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including inviting lobby with vaulted ceiling and fireplace, lounge area (with complimentary coffee, tea, water, space for snacks), and arrangement office. General services start at $2,575. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,075, while direct cremation is available from $2,575. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Christian.
Proko Funeral Home and Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 5111 60th St. in Kenosha, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory. Professional offerings include traditional funeral services, memorial services, and celebration of life services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,815. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,670, while direct cremation is available from $2,815. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Lutheran, and Methodist.