Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Oakdale Cemetery Soldiers' Lot
Oakdale Cemetery was incorporated on May 14, 1856, in Davenport, Iowa, by a group of local businessmen. The original 40-acre plot has grown over time, and today the cemetery is composed of 78.3 acres. Jazz musician Bix Beiderbecke, who grew up in Davenport, is among the prominent local citizens interred in the cemetery.
The soldiers' lot is located in Lot 14 of Oakdale Memorial Gardens, as the cemetery is known today. Originally, soldiers were interred in multiple areas of the cemetery, before the burials were consolidated into the soldiers' lot. As of December 1865, 174 Civil War soldiers were buried in the soldiers' lot.
Around 1888, roughly 160 remains in Oakdale Cemetery were removed to Rock Island and Keokuk National Cemeteries. In 1900, the remaining interments were consolidated into the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) plot within the cemetery, the location of all subsequent government burials. In 1940, the GAR conveyed all interests in the plot to the Oakdale Cemetery Association, and the United States acquired the lot in 1941. Today, interments within the soldiers' lot include 71 Civil War dead, seven of whom were killed during the Battle of Fort Donelson, Tennessee, and were the first Iowan casualties of the Civil War.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Oakdale Cemetery Soldiers' Lot, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Under Development.
Eligibility for burial at Oakdale Cemetery Soldiers' Lot
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.
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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 Quad-Cities Airport: Take Interstate 74 West (See Note below). After crossing the Mississippi River, take the Locust Street/Middle Road exit. Drive West on Locust Street to Eastern Avenue. Turn right (North) and you'll find the Oakdale Memorial Gardens a short distance on the right (East) side of the road.
From the West: Follow Interstate 80 East to Interstate 74 East. Take Interstate 74 East to the Locust Street/Middle Road exit. Drive West on Locust Street to Eastern Avenue. Turn right (North) and you'll find the Oakdale Memorial Gardens a short distance on the right (East) side of the road.
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 Oakdale Soldiers' Lot.
A National Cemetery System Oakdale 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 Oakdale Cemetery Soldiers' Lot (by straight-line distance):
- Rock Island Confederate Cemetery — Rock Island, IL (2 mi · closed)
- Rock Island National Cemetery — Rock Island, IL (2 mi · open)
- Keokuk National Cemetery Annex — Keokuk, IA (91 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Oakdale Cemetery Soldiers' Lot have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home Inc is a premier funeral home located at 614 North Main Street in Davenport, IA. The property features well-appointed spaces including large chapel, visitation room, and arrangement office. Professional offerings include traditional burial, cremation, and pre-planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,575. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,915, while direct cremation is available from $2,575. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic.
The Runge Mortuary and Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 838 East Kimberly Rd. in Davenport, IA. The property features well-appointed spaces including flexible event space, celebration of life center, and flexible chapel space. Professional offerings include cremation, traditional burial, and celebration of life, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $6,795, while direct cremation is available from $2,970. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian (Protestant), Asian traditions, Hispanic traditions, and Black traditions.
Orr's Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 1326 4Th Avenue in Rock Island, IL. The property features well-appointed spaces including ambrose display room, chapel of tones, and benford slumber room. Professional offerings include cremation, pre-need burial plan, and funeral services, 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 $3,900, while direct cremation is available from $2,800. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist, Methodist, and Catholic.
Rafferty Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 2111 1St Street A in Moline, IL. The property features well-appointed spaces including two large chapels, accessible building, and drive-through portico. Professional offerings include funeral services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,130. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,795, while direct cremation is available from $3,130. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Unitarian.
Van Hoe Funeral Home Ltd is a premier funeral home located at 1500 6Th Street in East Moline, IL. The property features well-appointed spaces including arrangement center, business office, and chapel. Professional offerings include burial services, cremation services, and personalization, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,440. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,294. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Lutheran, and Methodist.
Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 6601 38th Ave. in Moline, IL. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home building, on-site crematory, and serene atmosphere. Professional offerings include traditional funeral services, cremation, and pre-planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,275. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,450, while direct cremation is available from $2,275. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Lutheran, Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal, Congregational, Evangelical Free, and Seventh-Day Adventist.
Sullivan-Ellis Mortuary Ltd is a premier funeral home located at 1902 3Rd Avenue in East Moline, IL. The property features well-appointed spaces including viewing rooms and chapel. Professional offerings include funeral service, memorial service, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,995. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,495, while direct cremation is available from $1,995. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist, Catholic, Presbyterian, and Methodist.
Trimble Funeral Home & Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 701 12Th Street in Moline, IL. 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 $1,590.