Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Mound City National Cemetery
Mound City National Cemetery is located in Pulaski County, approximately one mile from Mound City, IL. This area was the home of large naval shipyards that provided warships to the Union's Mississippi Squadron during the Civil War. The Mississippi Squadron was composed of 80 vessels including the famous ironclads USS Cairo, USS Cincinnati, and USS Mound City.
Mound City was also the site of a large Civil War hospital complex. Originally, the city's hotel and foundry were converted to hospitals to house both Union and Confederate wounded pouring into the city in the wake of battles at Shiloh, Vicksburg and elsewhere. In April 1862, the gunboat Mound City captured the steamer Red Rover, which had been used as a Confederate floating barracks. Union officials refitted the vessel as a hospital ship and assigned it to the U.S. Naval hospital at Mound City. The Red Rover sailed with the Mississippi Squadron in its engagements. Although the shipyards have largely vanished, one hospital building remains near the Ohio River levee.
In 1864, the federal government designated a plot of land near the general hospital to serve as a national cemetery. The original 1,644 interments at Mound City National Cemetery were men who had died there. Later interments would include casualties of battles at Cairo, IL; Belmont, MO; and Paducah, KY. A 1871 report by the inspector of national cemeteries lists approximately 2,300 known service men interred at Mound City and over 2,400 unknowns.
Mound City National Cemetery was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
Monuments and Memorials The Illinois State Soldiers and Sailors Monument is a marble and concrete construction honoring 2,637 unknown soldiers and sailors who lost their lives in defense of the country during the Civil War. It was erected in 1874 by the state of Illinois.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Mound City National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Under Development.
Eligibility for burial at Mound City 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 nearest airport is in Marion. Take Interstate 57 south to Mounds exit (approximately 50 miles). Follow signs to Highway 51. Turn left and travel four miles to cemetery.
Floral and grounds policy
Fresh cut flowers may be placed at gravesites at any time.
Artificial floral arrangements may be placed on gravesites starting the second Saturday in October through the second Sunday in April.
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 Mound City National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Mound City 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 Mound City National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Missouri State Veterans Cemetery - Bloomfield — Bloomfield, MO (46 mi · open)
- Kentucky Veterans Cemetery - West — Hopkinsville, KY (95 mi · open)
- Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at Parkers Crossroads — Parkers Crossroads, TN (100 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Mound City National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Jones Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 1055 North Schuyler Avenue in Kankakee, IL. The property features well-appointed spaces including visitation room, funeral service room, and reception hall. Professional offerings include customized services, life tribute videos, and tribute wall, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,800. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,600, while direct cremation is available from $2,800. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist.
McMikle Funeral Home, Inc.- Charleston is a premier funeral home located at 201 S. Center Street in Charleston, MO. The property features well-appointed spaces including charleston chapel and sikeston chapel. Professional offerings include complete funeral services, cremation services, and pre-planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,065. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,425, while direct cremation is available from $2,065. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically United Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, and Full Gospel.
Bailey Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 705 North 1St Street in Vienna, IL. 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 $2,300.
Blue Funeral Homes is a premier funeral home located at 1704 North Court St. in Marion, IL. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, on-site crematory, and ample parking. Professional offerings include immediate need, traditional services, and cremation services, 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 $5,795, while direct cremation is available from $2,505. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Freewill Baptist, and Christian (general, as indicated by 'religious texts' in pre-planning and various local church affiliations).
Ponder Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 1120 North Main Street in Sikeston, MO. The property features well-appointed spaces including visitation rooms, funeral service chapel, and reception area. Professional offerings include pre-planning, burial, and entombment, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,550. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,750, while direct cremation is available from $2,550.
Brown Funeral Homes is a premier funeral home located at 420 Mayfield Road in Clinton, KY. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, lobby, and celebration of life venue. Professional offerings include traditional funerals, cremations, and celebration of life, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,450. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,250, while direct cremation is available from $2,450. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Buddhism, Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Orthodox Judaism, and Protestantism.
Lindsey Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 226 North 4th St. in Paducah, KY. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel and crematory. Professional offerings include traditional services, cremation services, and memorial services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,595. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,195, while direct cremation is available from $1,595. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Church of Christ, and Christian Methodist Episcopal. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.6-star Google rating across 56 reviews.
Hughes Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 2975 Old Husbands Rd. in Paducah, KY. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.