Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Nashville National Cemetery
Nashville National Cemetery is located in Madison, TN, in Davidson County approximately six miles northeast of Nashville's city center. The tracks of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad bisect the cemetery. An easement for the right of way was granted to the railroad in perpetuity in 1912.
Most of the land for Nashville National Cemetery was acquired shortly after the Civil War. In July 1866, 45 acres were transferred to the United States from Morton B. Howell, master of the Chancery Court of Nashville, in accordance with the decree of the court. During the first few months of 1867, another 17 acres were conveyed in the same manner. The final portion, about 1-1/2 acres, was purchased by the United States in 1879 from J. Watts Judson.
The original interments were the remains of soldiers removed from temporary burial grounds around Nashville's general hospitals, as well as the Civil War battlefields at Franklin and Gallatin, TN, and Bowling Green and Cave City, KY. There are 4,141 unknowns interred at Nashville National Cemetery; Roll of Honor, No. 22.
The stone wall around the cemetery and the limestone archway at the entrance were both constructed in 1870. At one time, rumors held that the remains of three Union soldiers were entombed at the top of the archway, but there is no evidence to support this claim. The present lodge, the third constructed at the cemetery, was built near the site of the original lodge and was completed in 1931.
Nashville National Cemetery was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
Monuments and Memorials Nashville National Cemetery is home to one of five monumental masonry archways that originally served as the formal entrance to national cemeteries found in the South. Three are managed by NCA: Marietta, GA, built 1883; Chattanooga, TN, built ca. 1880; and Nashville, TN, built ca. 1870. These Roman-inspired structures are approximately 35 feet high with Doric columns, a pair of ornamental iron gates, and inscriptions above. The two other memorial arches are found at Arlington National Cemetery, built 1879, and Vicksburg National Cemetery, ca. 1880, properties managed by the Department of Defense and National Park Service, respectively.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Nashville National Cemetery, 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:
Corporal John Carr (Indian Wars).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company G, 8th U.S. Cavalry, for actions in the Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona Territory, October 29, 1869. Carr died in 1891 and is buried in Section KK, Site 16550.
Private Charles P.
Cantrell (Spanish-American War). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company F, 10th U.S. Infantry, for actions at Santiago, Cuba, July 1, 1898. Cantrell died in 1948 and is buried in Section 1, Site 132.
Corporal William Franklin Lyell (Korea).
He received the Medal of Honor posthumously for service in the U.S. Army, Company F, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in recognition of gallantry and self-sacrifice near Chup'a-ri, Korea, August 31, 1951. Lyell is buried in Section 1, Site 151.
Other Burials Staff Sergeant Barry A.
Sadler, (Vietnam), U.S. Army, he wrote the famous song, "The Ballad of the Green Beret," .
Section NN, Site 64
One of the oldest private markers in the cemetery is a spire located in Section M, Site 16234, which was dedicated in memory of James Leonard of the 1st Kansas Battery.
He was killed by guerrillas on January 23, 1864 and interred on January 27, 1864.
Erastus Milo Cravath (1833–1900) was born in New York and his father was active in the abolition movement, politics and, reportedly, in the Underground Railroad.
He graduated from Oberlin College's School of Theology in 1857; in 1860 he went on to earn a graduate degree in divinity and he married. In 1863 Cravath enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War, serving as chaplain in the 101st Ohio Infantry, which saw action in Tennessee. After he mustered out in 1865, Reverend Cravath worked as a field agent for the American Missionary Association, which helped establish Fisk University in Nashville as a liberal arts school. He was president of the university for 25 years and dedicated his career to the education of African Americans. Cravath established the Fisk Jubilee Singers and traveled abroad with them raising awareness and funds for the school. Cravath is buried in Section MM, Site 16694.
Colonel James W.
Lawless of the Kentucky Cavalry was buried in Section MM, Site 10662 on June 25, 1899. Colonel Lawless was born in Ireland and came to the United States at the age of 16.
Colonel Edward S.
Jones, Commander of the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry, was also the founder of the Department of Tennessee and Georgia Grand Army of the Republic and served as Commander for many years. He was interred in Section MM, Site 16520 in November 1886.
There are so many men and women interred here who were decorated for their bravery in action that it is impossible to list them all.
The American flag is proudly flown 24 hours a day as a symbol of our diligence to ensure that the consecrated grounds of this cemetery will remain a living trust in remembrance of the men and women who are at eternal rest.
Eligibility for burial at Nashville 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
From the Nashville International Airport travel Interstate 40 west to Briley Parkway North. Travel Briley Parkway north for approximately 10 miles to Exit 14A Gallatin Road/Madison. Cemetery will be about ¼ mile on your left. From Interstate 65, take Briley Parkway/Opryland exit and travel two miles to north and take Gallatin Road/Madison exit. Cemetery will be ¼ mile on your left.
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. 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
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 Nashville National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Nashville 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 Nashville National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery — Nashville, TN (20 mi · open)
- Kentucky Veterans Cemetery - West — Hopkinsville, KY (57 mi · open)
- Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at Parkers Crossroads — Parkers Crossroads, TN (97 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Nashville National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery is a premier funeral home located at 5110 Gallatin Pke. in Nashville, TN. The property features well-appointed spaces including cemetery, serenity chapel mausoleum, and interior crypts. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and cemetery arrangements, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,045. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,795, while direct cremation is available from $2,045. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Presbyterian (historical founding on grounds) and All faiths accommodated.
Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery is a premier funeral home located at 5110 Gallatin Pike in Nashville, TN. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 2707 Gallatin Pike in Nashville, TN. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory, nashville chapel, and 200 seat chapel. Professional offerings include natural green burial, traditional burial, and cremation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,945. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,795, while direct cremation is available from $1,945.
Eastland Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 904 Gallatin Ave. in Nashville, TN. The property features well-appointed spaces including arrangement room, celebration of life venue, and commonwealth estates garden of prayer. Professional offerings include aboveground memorialization, catering, and celebration of life, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,725. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,365, while direct cremation is available from $1,700. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian Funeral Traditions, Buddhist Funeral Traditions, Chinese Funeral Traditions, Hispanic Funeral Traditions, Hindu Funeral Traditions, Japanese Funeral Traditions, Jewish Funeral Traditions, Korean Funeral Traditions, Muslim Funeral Traditions, Protestant Funeral Traditions, and Vietnamese Funeral Traditions.
Cole & Garrett Fueranl Home & Cremation Services is a premier funeral home located at 127 North Main St. in Goodlettsville, TN. The property features well-appointed spaces including catherine garrett event center, reception centers, and outdoor areas. Professional offerings include traditional services, cremation services, and personalization, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,175. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 5.0-star Google rating across 79 reviews.
Terrell Broady Funeral Home Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 3855 Clarksville Pike in Nashville, TN. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel. Professional offerings include traditional funeral service, personalized funeral service, and limousine service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,295. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,365, while direct cremation is available from $2,295. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist and Many faiths and customs.
Ellis Funeral Home & Cremation Service is a premier funeral home located at 2627 Nolensville Pike in Nashville, TN. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory, renovated facility, and chapel. Professional offerings include traditional funeral services, graveside ceremonies, and cremation services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,090. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,695, while direct cremation is available from $1,090.
Anderson & Garrett Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 3501 Old Clarksville Pike in Joelton, TN. 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 $1,895. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.5-star Google rating across 8 reviews.