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VA National Cemetery

Mount Moriah Cemetery Naval Plot

62nd Street and Kingsessing Avenue · Philadelphia, PA 19142

Closed to new in-ground burials

Mount Moriah Cemetery Naval Plot is a VA national cemetery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. VA lists it as closed to new burials. Burial is free for eligible veterans, their spouses and dependent children.

Source: National Cemetery Administration (cem.va.gov), retrieved 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

The National Cemetery Administration lists these people of note buried at Mount Moriah Cemetery Naval Plot, with section and site where recorded.

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.

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.

Flowers and grounds rules

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.

Who can be buried at Mount Moriah Cemetery Naval Plot?

VA national cemeteries accept a veteran who didn't receive a dishonorable discharge, a service member who died on active duty or in training, the veteran's spouse or surviving spouse (even if they remarried), and minor or, in some cases, unmarried adult dependent children. National Guard and Reserve members qualify under narrower rules. You can ask VA for a pre-need eligibility decision in advance; it does not reserve a gravesite.

What does burial here include at no cost?

  • A gravesite in any VA national cemetery with available space
  • Opening and closing of the grave
  • A government-provided burial liner
  • A government-provided headstone or marker
  • Perpetual care of the gravesite

Veterans also receive a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate (presented to the next of kin at the burial) and military funeral honors, which include the playing of Taps and two uniformed service members who present the flag. The committal service is held at a committal shelter, not at the grave, and lasts about 20 minutes. National cemeteries have no viewing facilities, so the funeral itself is held elsewhere.

How do you schedule a burial at Mount Moriah Cemetery Naval Plot?

  1. Gather the veteran's DD214 or other discharge papers, and the deceased's details (Social Security number, dates of birth and death, relationship to the veteran).
  2. Fax the discharge papers to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 866-900-6417, or email them to [email protected] with the deceased's name in the subject line.
  3. You or the funeral director call 800-535-1117 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET) to request Mount Moriah Cemetery Naval Plot and a date. National cemeteries hold burials Monday through Friday.

VA lists Mount Moriah Cemetery Naval Plot as closed. Ask the scheduling office what, if anything, can still be arranged here, and about open national cemeteries nearby.

Where is the Mount Moriah Cemetery Naval Plot burial schedule?

VA posts a daily burial schedule for every national cemetery. Search it for Mount Moriah Cemetery Naval Plot to see the committal services planned there. It only lists burials whose families agreed to publish them. To change or cancel a burial that's already scheduled, contact Mount Moriah Cemetery Naval Plot directly at 215-222-7510.

Headstone, flag and burial allowance

  • Government headstone or marker: tell the scheduling office which headstone, marker, niche cover or medallion you want when you schedule the burial.
  • Burial flag: VA Form 27-2008.
  • Burial allowance: For a non-service-connected death on or after October 1, 2026, VA pays up to $1,032 toward burial and funeral costs and $1,032 for a plot; for a service-connected death on or after September 11, 2001, the burial allowance is up to $2,000. Claim it with VA Form 21P-530EZ. All benefits

After the funeral: survivor benefits and the estate

A surviving spouse, child or parent may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), a tax-free monthly VA benefit, for example when the death was service connected (VA Form 21P-534EZ). The veteran's estate is settled under Pennsylvania law; our sister site ProbateUS explains how probate works in Pennsylvania and lists each county's probate court. For the rest of the paperwork, from Social Security to bank accounts, DeathUS has a step-by-step checklist of what to do when someone dies.

Nearest cemeteries

The three veterans cemeteries closest to Mount Moriah Cemetery Naval Plot, by straight-line distance:

Funeral homes near Mount Moriah Cemetery Naval Plot

A funeral director usually arranges the burial with the cemetery. These are the closest funeral homes by straight-line distance. Each one links to its full listing on FuneralUS, our funeral home directory.

  1. King Funeral Service
    Philadelphia, PA
    0.7 mi from the cemetery
  2. 0.9 mi from the cemetery
  3. 1.0 mi from the cemetery
  4. 1.6 mi from the cemetery
  5. 1.8 mi from the cemetery
  6. 1.9 mi from the cemetery

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