Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Philadelphia National Cemetery
Philadelphia National Cemetery is located in Philadelphia County, PA, two miles north of Germantown in the city of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia National Cemetery was one of 14 national cemeteries established in 1862, and it was one of several established near large troop-recruitment and training areas. In its first year, the cemetery was composed of burial lots in seven different locations that were either donated to or purchased by the federal government. These were intended to be used specifically for soldiers who died in one of the many hospitals in the Philadelphia area. In 1885, the United States purchased a little over 13 acres from Henry J. and Susan B. Freeman to concentrate the scattered remains of soldiers into one geographic location. The remains were disinterred and consolidated at this location, occupied by Philadelphia National Cemetery today.
Philadelphia National Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
Monuments and Memorials The Mexican War Monument is a marble obelisk that was erected by the Scott Legion in honor of 38 men who served and died in that conflict. The men were originally buried at Glenwood Cemetery and were re-interred at Philadelphia National Cemetery in 1927. The date of dedication is unknown.
The Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Monument was erected by the United States in 1911. The monument is a rusticated granite monument that commemorates 184 Confederate soldiers and sailors whose remains were re-interred at the cemetery from other locations after the Civil War.
The Revolutionary War Memorial is a granite and bronze memorial that commemorates those who died in the Revolutionary War.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Philadelphia 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:
Seaman Alphonse Girandy.
Alphonse Girandy was born in the French West Indies and he immigrated to the United States. In 1896 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and received naturalized citizenship. Seaman Girandy served on the USS Brooklyn during his first tour, and in 1899 he re-enlisted. Between 1900 and 1904 Girandy was on the USS Petrel when, in 1901, the ship caught fire. His actions, "fearlessly exposing own life to danger for the saving of others," were recognized in March 1902 when Girandy received the Medal of Honor. As a civilian, he lived in Philadelphia, where he died on April 3, 1941. He is buried in Section N, Site 66.
Major General Galusha Pennypacker (Civil War).
Pennypacker received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, 97th Pennsylvania Infantry, for actions at Fort Fisher, North Carolina, January 15, 1865. Pennypacker died in 1916 and is buried in Section OFF, Site 175.
Other Burials Sixty-six Buffalo Soldiers.
Eligibility for burial at Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia International Airport, take Interstate Highway 95 North to Route 76 West to Route 1 North to Broad Street West, exit on Haines to Limekiln. The cemetery is on the corner of Haines and Limekiln.
Floral and grounds policy
You can place fresh cut flowers on your loved one's grave throughout the year.
Floral items will be removed from graves when they become faded or unsightly. They may also be removed to allow mowing. Government supplied plastic flower containers are available for your use and located within the cemetery.
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 Philadelphia National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Philadelphia National Cemetery United States Colored Troops (USCT) Burials - Philadelphia Confederate Burials In The 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 Philadelphia National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Mount Moriah Cemetery Naval Plot — Philadelphia, PA (10 mi · closed)
- Mount Moriah Cemetery Soldiers' Lot — Philadelphia, PA (10 mi · closed)
- Beverly National Cemetery — Beverly, NJ (13 mi · closed)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Philadelphia National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Emmanuel Johnson Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 6653 - 75 Chew Avenue in Philadelphia, PA. The property features well-appointed spaces including emmanuel johnson funeral home. Professional offerings include viewing, funeral service, and pre-arrangements, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,195. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,670, while direct cremation is available from $1,195. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian and Baptist.
Beckett-Brown & Hodges Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 5616 Baynton St. in Philadelphia, PA. 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 $1,095.
Emmanuel Johnson Funeral Home, Inc is a premier funeral home located at 6653-75 Chew Avenue in Philadelphia, PA. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. General services start at $7,000. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $750.
Khadijah Alderman Funeral Service, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 1924 West Hunting Park Ave. in Philadelphia, PA. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home, viewing rooms, and chapel. Professional offerings include janazah services, green funeral services, and themed funeral services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,250. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Islam and Christianity.
Fitzpatrick Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 425 Lyceum Avenue in Philadelphia, PA. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. General services start at $1,000.
Koller Funeral Home Inc is a premier funeral home located at 6835 Ridge Avenue in Philadelphia, PA. The property features well-appointed spaces including no steps to main entrance, welcoming environment, and on-site funeral service facilities. Professional offerings include traditional funeral services, cremation, and graveside services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,995. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically All Faiths and Catholic.
Wackerman Funeral Home, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 8060 Verree Road in Philadelphia, PA. The property features well-appointed spaces including handicap accessible, flat access way, and carport. Professional offerings include traditional funeral services, cremations, and out-of-town arrangements, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,620. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,350, while direct cremation is available from $2,620. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Lutheran.
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.