Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Natchez National Cemetery
Although there were two military engagements in the Natchez area in 1863 and 1864, the town surrendered early to Union troops and was spared extensive damage. Natchez National Cemetery was established during this period, north of town near the river bluff. The original 11-acre site was purchased in 1866 from local residents.
Original interments were brought from locations in Louisiana and Mississippi within a 50-mile radius of Natchez in Adams County. One of the old Natchez homes, "The Gardens," served as a military hospital for federal troops, and some of the earliest interments are the men who died there.
In a report dated June 30, 1866, Quartermaster Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs informed the secretary of war that many bodies had been buried in the levees near the west shore of the Mississippi. Subsequently, the removal of these remains and their reinterment at Natchez National Cemetery began the following fall.
Natchez National Cemetery was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Natchez 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:
Landsman Wilson Brown (Civil War).
Wilson Brown was born into slavery in 1841 at Natchez, MS. During the Civil War, Brown escaped to the Navy gunboat USS Hartford and enlisted in 1863. Landsman Brown served until 1865, including on board the Hartford, and returned to Natchez at war's end. During the Battle of Mobile Bay (Alabama) on August 5, 1864, Brown was knocked unconscious in the ship's hold by a shell burst. He regained consciousness and returned to supplying cannon ammunition. Brown was awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery. He died in January 1900 and is buried in Section G, Site 3152.
Other Burials There are two Buffalo Soldiers of the 24th Infantry interred in the Natchez National Cemetery, they are:
Sam Hall was born in February 1895 and he enlisted in the Army in April 1914.
Private First Class Hall served in Company K, 24th U.S. Infantry. This regiment was long known as Buffalo Soldiers from its origin on the western frontier during the 19th century. Hall and the 24th Infantry spent World War I years patrolling the U.S. border with Mexico. He was discharged in August 1923 and died December 12, 1924. He is buried in Natchez National Cemetery . Felix Mathews (ca. 1846–1905) was born in Alabama and worked as a laborer before enlisting in the U.S. Army at age 24. Mathews served in Company G, 24th Infantry, from 1870 to 1875. He joined one of the regiments that became known as Buffalo Soldiers — all-black cavalries and infantries established in 1866 then consolidated in 1869. The 24th Infantry absorbed two of the original regiments and was based in Texas during these years. Private Mathews was discharged at Fort Brown. After military service, he married and raised a family near Natchez, MS. Mathews was buried in Natchez National Cemetery in 1905. His widow remained in Natchez and on her death in 1930 she was buried in the national cemetery with him (Section G, Site 3222).
Section B, Site 3538
Rogger J.
Puckett, former Superintendent of Natchez National Cemetery, is buried in Section D, Site 3747.
58th U.S.
Colored Troops, re-interred from below the bluffs and the forks of the roads and other sites in Adams County.
Union Navy soldiers re-interred in the Natchez National Cemetery.
To cite a few:
William Preston, Quartermaster on the USS Hartford . John Keese, Seaman on the USS Osage (Section D, Site 423). T.W.
Roberts, Acting Ensign on the USS Osark (Section D, Site 421).
Section D, Site 459
Eligibility for burial at Natchez 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
Cemetery is located in the northwest section of Natchez. From Highway 61 South, turn right on Canal Street (near Mississippi River Bridge) and proceed north to the end of the street. Turn left, then immediately right onto Linton Avenue. Follow Linton Avenue to stop sign. Go straight through stop sign to Cemetery Road. The entrance to the cemetery is on your right.
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. Natural cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time of the year. 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 Natchez National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Natchez 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 Natchez National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Northeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery — Rayville, LA (62 mi · open)
- Alexandria National Cemetery — Pineville, LA (64 mi · closed)
- Port Hudson National Cemetery — Zachary, LA (64 mi · unknown)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Natchez National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Laird Funeral Home, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 408 North Union St. in Natchez, MS. The property features well-appointed spaces including laird funeral home chapel, entrance hall, and parlor. Professional offerings include funeral arrangements, memorial services, and pre-planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,820. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,490, while direct cremation is available from $1,820. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian and Catholic.
Brown Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 901 Highway 24 in Gloster, MS. The property features well-appointed spaces including viewing/visitation facilities, funeral ceremony facilities, and memorial service facilities. Professional offerings include monuments and obituaries, 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 $5,300, while direct cremation is available from $2,800. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic.
Kramer Funeral Home of Fifth Ward is a premier funeral home located at 1924 Highway 1 in Fifth Ward, LA. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Kramer Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 1924 Highway 1 in Marksville, LA. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Professional offerings include funeral services, burial, and cremation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,400. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,705, while direct cremation is available from $3,400. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Baptist, Lutheran, and Methodist.