Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of New Bern National Cemetery
New Bern National Cemetery is located in New Bern, Craven County, NC. Founded in 1710, New Bern is the second-oldest city in the state, founded by German and Swiss adventurers whose commander was from city of the same name in Switzerland. Prior to the American Revolution, Royal Gov. William Tryon made this seaport his colonial capitol and commissioned the construction of Tryon Palace in 1770.
Although there was some dissension within the state regarding secession, North Carolina chose to leave the Union on May 20, 1861. Ultimately, it supplied more men and materials to the Confederate cause than any other southern state. It also suffered the largest number of losses. New Bern was captured early in the war. By August 1861, the Union army had secured the Pamlico Sound inlets after defeating the Confederate forces and taking Forts Clark and Hatteras. By winter 1862, Gen. A.E. Burnside and Commodore L.M. Goldsborough had seized the Confederate positions on Roanoke Island and New Berne (as it was originally spelled). Union control of the inner coastal position tightened the blockade of the North Carolina coast, but the state held out until April 26, 1865, when Gen. Joseph Johnston surrendered the last major Confederate army to Gen. William T. Sherman near Durham, NC.
New Bern National Cemetery was officially established February 1, 1867. Many of the burials at New Bern are reinterments of remains from the surrounding area, including Beaufort, Hatteras and locations along the coast. Over 1,000 unknowns are buried in a separate section.
New Bern National Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
Monuments and Memorials The granite New Jersey Monument was erected by that state in 1905. It is dedicated to the memory of the 9th New Jersey Regiment Volunteer Infantry.
The Massachusetts Monument is a granite memorial erected by the commonwealth in 1908 in memory of Massachusetts's soldiers and sailors who died in North Carolina during the Civil War.
The Connecticut Monument was erected by that state in 1908. The memorial was dedicated to the memory of Connecticut men who died of yellow fever during the Civil War, as well as those who fell in action by 1865.
The Rhode Island Monument is composed of a granite base topped by a bronze figure. Dedicated October 6, 1909, it was donated by the state of Rhode Island in honor of its volunteers who died in North Carolina during the Civil War. The monument was designed and sculpted by William W. Manatt of Providence, RI.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at New Bern National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Under Development.
Eligibility for burial at New Bern 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 one mile northwest of Tryon Place and Broad Street. Travel west on Broad Street (U.S. 70 Business) then right onto George Street. Continue to National Avenue to the cemetery.
Floral and grounds policy
The floral and grounds policy below reflects the honor and respect we hold for our Nation's Veterans, by preserving the dignity and solemnity of their final resting place.
These items are welcome:
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 New Bern National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System New Bern 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 New Bern National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery — Jacksonville, NC (33 mi · open)
- Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery — Goldsboro, NC (50 mi · open)
- Wilmington National Cemetery — Wilmington, NC (79 mi · closed)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of New Bern National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Cotten Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 2201 Neuse Boulevard in New Bern, NC. The property features well-appointed spaces including modern funeral home, flexible chapel space, and large-capacity chapel. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and burial services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,095. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian Funeral Traditions, Buddhist Funeral Traditions, Catholic Funeral Traditions, Hispanic Funeral Traditions, Hindu Funeral Traditions, Muslim Funeral Traditions, Christian Funeral Traditions, Jewish Funeral Traditions, and Black Funeral Traditions. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.9-star Google rating across 238 reviews.
Sayland Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at Po Box 298 in Maysville, NC. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory. Professional offerings include preplanning, personalization, and vehicles, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,225. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,595, while direct cremation is available from $2,225.
Gethsemane Memorial Park is a premier funeral home located at 700 HWY 24 in Newport, NC. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home facilities, visitation rooms, and crematory. Professional offerings include personalization, burial, and cremation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,150. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,075, while direct cremation is available from $2,150. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist, Church of God, Methodist, and Catholic.
Washington Funeral & Cremation is a premier funeral home located at 4500 Us Highway 264 East in Washington, NC. The property features well-appointed spaces including onsite crematory. Professional offerings include personalization, funeral vehicles, and veterans services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,085, while direct cremation is available from $875.
Brooks Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 201 Professional Cir. in Morehead City, NC. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory and chapel. Professional offerings include immediate need services, pre-planning services, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,100. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,040, while direct cremation is available from $2,100. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian denominations and Catholic.
Noe-Brooks Funeral Home & Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 211 E. Main Street 211 East Main Street Morehead in City, NC. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home, chapel, and crematory. Professional offerings include immediate need services, pre-planning services, and cremation services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,430. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,475, while direct cremation is available from $1,430. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically African Methodist Episcopal Zion and Free Will Baptist.
Farmer Funeral Service Inc is a premier funeral home located at 109 Second Street in Ayden, NC. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, visitation rooms, and arrangement rooms. Professional offerings include burial services, cremation services, and merchandise, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,875. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $6,095, while direct cremation is available from $2,875.
Winterville Cremation and Funeral Services is a premier funeral home located at 113 W. Fire Tower Road, Suite C in Winterville, NC. The property features well-appointed spaces including small visitation space. Professional offerings include cremation services, burial services, and preplanning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,235. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,495, while direct cremation is available from $1,995. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.8-star Google rating across 12 reviews.