Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Mount Moriah Cemetery Soldiers' Lot
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 Cemetery Soldiers' Lot is located in section 200, lot 1, of Mount Moriah Cemetery, and is sometimes referred to as the Civil War Hospital Plot. The 404 soldiers buried in this lot died in Philadelphia hospitals from injuries or disease during the Civil War. Initially, the soldiers' lot included the remains of many Confederate soldiers, but in 1885 all but two were exhumed and re-interred at Philadelphia National Cemetery. In 1906 the Office of the Quartermaster General halted re-interments between the two cemeteries.
The National Cemetery Administration has jurisdiction over this section of the cemetery and the Naval Plot.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Mount Moriah Cemetery Soldiers' Lot, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Under Development.
Eligibility for burial at Mount Moriah Cemetery Soldiers' Lot
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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, this changes to Cobbs Creek Parkway. Rear entrance of cemetery is off Cobbs Creek Parkway. Follow cemetery road to the left to Soldiers 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
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 Mount Moriah Soldiers' Lot.
A National Cemetery System Mount Moriah Soldiers' Lot 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 Mount Moriah Cemetery Soldiers' Lot (by straight-line distance):
- Mount Moriah Cemetery Naval Plot — 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 Soldiers' Lot 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.