Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Mount Moriah Cemetery Naval Plot
Mount Moriah Cemetery was established by the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1855, one of several rural cemeteries developed in Philadelphia between 1845 and 1860. Located on the southwestern edge of the city, the private cemetery originally consisted of 54 acres. Over time it has grown to 380 acres spanning both sides of Cobbs Creek. Due to the massive size of the cemetery, many churches and other organizations have established smaller lots within its bounds. A majestic gatehouse provides entrance into to the cemetery. Designed by local architect Stephen D. Button in 1855, the Romanesque gatehouse is fabricated from brownstone.
Notable headstones in the cemetery include a granite marker constructed in the shape of the Civil War iron-clad ship, the USS Monitor. The headstone memorializes William Rowland, a sailor on the USS Minnesota, which was protected by the Monitor from the CSS Virginia (formerly the USS Merrimack) at the Battle of Hampton Roads.
For a time Mount Moriah Cemetery held the remains of Betsy Ross, reputed maker of the American flag. However, leading up to the local celebration of the 1976 Bicentennial, her remains were moved to Arch Street near the Betsy Ross house.
In the early 1870's, an African-American named Henry Jones purchased a lot in the cemetery. After his death, cemetery authorities turned away his funeral procession at the gate, on the basis of his race. A lawsuit was filed against the Mount Moriah Cemetery association on his behalf, and in 1876 the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Jones' right to burial in the cemetery.
Mount Moriah Naval Plot is associated with the U.S. Naval Asylum. The Naval Hospitals Act of 1811, passed through Congress with the help of Secretary of the Navy Paul Hamilton, established the U.S. Naval Asylum in Philadelphia. Architect William Strickland designed the main building, which was completed in 1833. Originally used as a naval hospital, in 1838 midshipmen began taking classes at the asylum.
With the 1845 opening of the Naval Academy in Annapolis, the asylum ceased serving as a school. In 1864 the federal government purchased a 10-acre site in Mount Moriah Cemetery for the re-interment of remains within the plot on the grounds of the Naval Asylum. More than 2,400 navy officers and sailors have been buried in Mount Moriah Naval Plot since the first interment on March 26, 1865. This lot is bordered by a low fence of chain-and-bollards, and contains many very old, non-standard headstones, as well as a naval anchor on a concrete base.
The National Cemetery Administration has jurisdiction over this section of the cemetery as well as the Soldiers' Lot.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Mount Moriah Cemetery Naval Plot, 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:
Quarter Gunner Charles Baker (Civil War).
Baker was born in Georgetown, District of Columbia in 1809. He earned the Medal of Honor on board the USS Metacomet (Side-wheel Steamer Gunboat) during the Civil War. His citation reads: "Served on board the USS Metacomet. As a member of the boat's crew which went to the rescue of the USS Tecumseh when the vessel was struck by a torpedo in passing the enemy forts in Mobile Bay, August 5, 1864, Q.G. Baker braved the enemy fire which was said by the admiral to be "one of the most galling" he has ever seen, and aided in rescuing from death 10 of the crew of the Tecumseh, eliciting the admiration of both friend and foe." He died on August 3, 1891, and is buried in Section 2, Row 22, Site 22.
Coxswain Albert Beyer (Spanish-American War).
Beyer was born in Hanover, Germany on June 13, 1859. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for valor while assigned to the USS Nashville (Gunboat No. 7) during the Spanish-American War. His citation reads: "On board the USS Nashville during the cutting of the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, May 11, 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Beyer set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action." He died on October 29, 1929, and is buried in Section 1, Row 9, Site 19.
Captain of the Forecastle James Healey (Civil War).
James Healey (also Haley) was born in Ireland in 1824. He earned his Medal of Honor while assigned to the USS Kearsarge (Sloop-of-War) in foreign waters during the Civil War. His citation reads: "Served as captain of the forecastle on board the USS Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Acting as captain of a gun during the bitter engagement, Haley exhibited marked coolness and good conduct and was highly commended by his division officer for his gallantry and meritorious achievement under enemy fire." He died on November 27, 1880, and is buried in Section 2, Row 17, Site 22.
Coxswain Robert Jourdan (Civil War).
Jourdan (also Jordan) was born in New York in 1826. He received a Medal of Honor for bravery in action during the Civil War while temporarily assigned to the USS Mount Washington (Side-wheel Gunboat). His citation reads: "Attached to the USS Minnesota (Frigate) and temporarily serving on the USS Mount Washington during action against the enemy in the Nansemond River, April 14, 1863. When the Mount Washington drifted against the bank following several successive hits which struck her boilers and stopped her engines, Jordan boarded the stricken vessel and, for six hours as fierce artillery and musketry continued to rake her decks, calmly assisted in manning a 12-pound howitzer which had been mounted on the open hurricane deck." He died on December 20, 1881, and is buried in Section 2, Row 18, Site 4.
Landsman Joseph Killackey (Boxer Rebellion).
Born in Ireland on January 21, 1879, he received his Medal of Honor while assigned to the USS Newark (C-1) during the Boxer Rebellion. His citation reads "In action with the relief expedition of the Allied forces in China, June 13, 20, 21, and 22, 1900. During this period and in the presence of the enemy, Killackey distinguished himself by meritorious conduct. He died on September 8, 1946, and is buried in Section 4, Row 3, Site 23.
Fireman John Laverty (Civil War & Peacetime).
Laverty (also Lafferty) was born in Ireland on June 17, 1845. He received the Medal of Honor twice while serving in the U.S. Navy: first on board the USS Wyalusing (Side-wheel Gunboat) for participation in an attempt to destroy the Confederate ram Albemarle in the Roanoke River, May 26, 1864, and second for actions on board the USS Alaska (Screw Sloop of War) following a rupture of the vessel's stop-valve chamber while in Callao Bay, Peru, September 14, 1881. Laverty's service during the Civil War, and first Medal of Honor commendation, was under the name Lafferty. He died on November 13, 1903, and is buried in Section 3, Row 3, Site 17.
Quartermaster Nicholas Lear (Civil War).
Lear was born in Rhode Island in 1826. His Medal of Honor was earned on the USS New Ironsides (Ironclad Steamer) at Fort Fisher, NC, in 1865. His citation reads: "Lear served on board the USS New Ironsides during action in several attacks on Fort Fisher, December 24 and 25, 1864; and January 13, 14 and 15, 1865. The ship steamed in and took the lead in the ironclad division close inshore and immediately opened its starboard battery in a barrage of well-directed fire to cause several fires and explosions and dismount several guns during the first two days of fighting. Taken under fire as she steamed into position on January 13, the New Ironsides fought all day and took on ammunition at night, despite severe weather conditions. When the enemy came out of their bombproofs to defend the fort against the storming party, the ship's battery disabled nearly every gun on the fort facing the shore before the cease-fire order was given by the flagship." He died on Independence Day, 1902, and is buried in Section 3, Row 3, Site 3.
Seaman Thomas G.
Lyons (Civil War). Lyons was born in Salem, MA in 1838. He earned his Medal of Honor while assigned to the USS Pensacola (Screw Steamer) in 1862 as part of Admiral Farragut's West Gulf Squadron. His citation reads: "Served as seaman on board the USS Pensacola in the attack on Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 24, 1862. Carrying out his duties throughout the din and roar of the battle, Lyons never once erred in his brave performance. Lashed outside of that vessel, on the port-sheet chain, with the lead in hand to lead the ship past the forts, Lyons never flinched, although under a heavy fire from the forts and rebel gunboats." He died on August 29, 1904, and is buried in Section 3, Row 4, Site 3.
Sergeant James Martin (Civil War).
Marine James Martin was born in Ireland in 1826. His Medal of Honor was earned while assigned to the USS Richmond (Steam Sloop) during the Civil War Battle of Mobile Bay. His citation reads: "As captain of a gun on board the USS Richmond during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, August 5, 1864. Despite damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked her decks, Sgt. Martin fought his gun with skill and courage throughout a furious two-hour battle which resulted in the surrender of the rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan." He died on October 29, 1895, and is buried in Section 2, Row 24, Site 19. His shipmates Alexander Truett and John Smith earned the Medal of Honor in the same action and are buried nearby.
Private Michael Owens (Korean Campaign 1871).
Marine Michael Owens was born in New York City on February 6, 1837. He earned his Medal of Honor during the 1871 Korean Campaign while assigned to the USS Colorado (Screw Frigate). His citation reads: "On board the USS Colorado during the capture of Korean forts, June 11, 1871. Fighting courageously in hand-to-hand combat, Owens was badly wounded by the enemy during this action." He died on December 7, 1890, and is buried in Section 2, Row 22, Site 14.
Eligibility for burial at Mount Moriah Cemetery Naval Plot
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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 Philadelphia International Airport take 95 North to Island Avenue West, changes to Cobbs Creek Parkway. Rear entrance of cemetery off Cobbs Creek Parkway. Follow cemetery road to top of hill to Naval Plot.
Floral and grounds policy
Our cemetery floral and grounds policies exist only to reflect the honor and respect we hold for our Nation's Veterans, by preserving the dignity and solemnity of their final resting place.
We welcome and encourage fresh-cut flowers throughout the year. Temporary floral containers are located throughout the cemetery for public use. Floral arrangements will be removed when they become withered, faded, or unsightly. During the mowing season, floral arrangements shall be removed weekly to facilitate mowing operations. Floral arrangements shall not stand taller than the headstone.
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.
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Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to Mount Moriah Cemetery Naval Plot (by straight-line distance):
- Mount Moriah Cemetery Soldiers' Lot — Philadelphia, PA (0 mi · closed)
- Philadelphia National Cemetery — Philadelphia, PA (10 mi · closed)
- Beverly National Cemetery — Beverly, NJ (19 mi · closed)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Mount Moriah Cemetery Naval Plot have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Mitchum-Wilson Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 1410 South 20Th Street in Philadelphia, PA. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel and roadmaster motorcycle hearse. Professional offerings include personalization, burial services, and cremation services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,945. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,670, while direct cremation is available from $3,945. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist, Roman Catholic, and Jehovah's Witnesses.
McCausland Garrity Marchesani Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 343 South Chester Pike in Glenolden, PA. The property features well-appointed spaces including spacious gathering areas, large climate controlled lobby, and main chapel. Professional offerings include traditional funeral services, church services, and graveside services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,595. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,895, while direct cremation is available from $1,045. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically All faiths (general services), Catholic Church (discussed in cremation context), Christian denominations (discussed in cremation context), Hinduism (discussed in cremation context), Jainism (discussed in cremation context), Sikhism (discussed in cremation context), Buddhism (discussed in cremation context), Islam (discussed in cremation context), Orthodox Judaism (discussed in cremation context), and Other sects of Judaism (discussed in cremation context).
DuPree Funeral Home Inc is a premier funeral home located at 2809 West Diamond Street in Philadelphia, PA. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home and original location. Professional offerings include traditional services, cremation services, and personalization, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,500. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,000, while direct cremation is available from $1,500. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist.
Westminster Cemetery is a premier funeral home located at 701 Belmont Avenue in Bala Cynwyd, PA. The property features well-appointed spaces including veterans cemetery section, modern funeral home, and cemetery spaces. Professional offerings include traditional ground burial, cremation, and above ground entombment, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic Traditions, Muslim Traditions, Asian Funeral Traditions, Buddhist Funeral Traditions, Hispanic Funeral Traditions, Hindu Funeral Traditions, Christian Funeral Traditions, Jewish Funeral Traditions, and Black Funeral Traditions.
McElvarr Funeral Homes, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 1415 East Susquehanna Avenue in Philadelphia, PA. The property features well-appointed spaces including large viewing room, private family lounge, and ample parking. Professional offerings include funeral service, memorial services, and pre-arrangements, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,145. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,670, while direct cremation is available from $2,145. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Roman Catholic and Evangelical Lutheran.
West Laurel Hill Cemetery & Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 225 Belmont Ave. in Bala Cynwyd, PA. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory, chapel of peace, and reception hall. Professional offerings include funeral planning, pre-planning, and cemetery property selection, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,795. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,835, while direct cremation is available from $3,195. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Jewish.
Burns Family Funeral Homes is a premier funeral home located at 1428 East Columbia Avenue in Philadelphia, PA. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory, crown point location, and hobart location. Professional offerings include celebrating life, pre-planning, and veterans services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $4,130. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $7,135, while direct cremation is available from $4,130. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Non-Denominational Christian.
Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 425 Lyceum Ave. in Philadelphia, PA. The property features well-appointed spaces including main entrance, side entrance, and wheelchair accessible. Professional offerings include pre-planning, grief support, and funeral services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,000. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,275. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically All Faiths (general statement), Catholicism, Christian Denominations (general), Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Islam, Orthodox Judaism, and Other Jewish Sects.