Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Port Hudson National Cemetery
Port Hudson National Cemetery is located approximately seven miles west of Zachary, LA, and about 20 miles north of the capital Baton Rouge. During the Civil War, control of the Mississippi River was critical to both Union and Confederate forces. The North sought control of the river to split the Confederacy in two; the South wanted to ensure the flow of supplies back and forth across the river. When New Orleans fell to Union troops in April 1862, Confederate control of the Mississippi was in jeopardy. The Confederate army had already fortified the river bluffs at Vicksburg, MS, but it needed additional river batteries below the mouth of the Red River, which was the primary route for shipping supplies from Texas to the heartland of the Confederacy.
The bluffs near the small town of Port Hudson represented the perfect site for these batteries. They were the first high ground upstream from Baton Rouge and they overlooked a severe bend in the river — an additional obstacle for Union warships. Following their defeat at the Battle of Baton Rouge on August 5, 1862, Confederate soldiers marched to Port Hudson and occupied the area 10 days later. They constructed a series of batteries along the bluffs and, in the months that followed, a 4.5-mile line of earthworks to protect the land-approach to the batteries.
The siege of Port Hudson began May 23, 1863. Roughly 30,000 Union troops under the command of Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks were pitted against 6,800 Confederates under the command of Maj. Gen. Franklin Gardner.
On the morning of May 27, and again on June 14, the Union army launched ferocious assaults against the string of earthworks protecting Port Hudson. These actions constituted some of the bloodiest fighting in the Civil War. As the siege continued, the Confederates nearly exhausted their ammunition and were reduced to eating mules, horses and rats. When word reached Gardner that Vicksburg had surrendered, he realized that his situation was hopeless. Surrender terms were negotiated and, after 48 days and thousands of casualties, the Union army entered Port Hudson. This siege would become the longest in American military history.
Prior to the May 27 attack, Union leaders undertook a bold experiment. Two African-American regiments were chosen to participate in the battle. The 1st and 3rd Louisiana Native Guards proved their worth by pressing an attack against a well-fortified Confederate position. This action was applauded in northern newspapers and led to greater acceptance of African-American troops in the war effort. The garrison at Port Hudson became a recruiting center for black soldiers until it closed in summer 1866.
Port Hudson National Cemetery is located on the site where Union and Confederate forces were engaged in the siege of Port Hudson. Nearly 4,000 Union troops were killed and almost all were buried in the cemetery; only 600 were known. Approximately 500 Confederate soldiers died during the battle and were buried in the trenches where they fell. The present grounds were first used as a cemetery in 1863. In 1866, the federal government appropriated 8.4 acres and declared the site a national cemetery. Casualties of the siege of Port Hudson and soldiers who died in nearby military hospitals were interred here. In 1871, a cemetery inspector reported that the hostile adjacent-land owner would not permit a ditch to be run across his property to drain the cemetery.
The battlefield at Port Hudson is probably the only naturally preserved Civil War battleground extant. The breastworks, gun pits and trenches remain today almost as they were during the battle.
Port Hudson National Cemetery was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974 as part of the Port Hudson Historic Site.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Port Hudson National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Under Development.
Eligibility for burial at Port Hudson National Cemetery
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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
The cemetery is located seven miles west of Zachary, two miles off of U.S. Highway 61. From Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, take Airbase Road (left) ½ mile to Interstate 110 north and travel six miles to U.S. Highway 61 north. Proceed eight miles to Junction 3113 west then two miles to the cemetery 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 Port Hudson National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Port Hudson 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 Port Hudson National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Louisiana National Cemetery — Zachary, LA (2 mi · open)
- Baton Rouge National Cemetery — Baton Rouge, LA (16 mi · closed)
- Natchez National Cemetery — Natchez, MS (64 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Port Hudson National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Church Funeral Services & Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 5535 Superior Drive in Baton Rouge, LA. The property features well-appointed spaces including offices. Professional offerings include burial services, cremation, and direct cremation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,495. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,895, while direct cremation is available from $1,495. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Pentecostal, and Christian. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.9-star Google rating across 71 reviews.
Tangi Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 1311 University Ave. in Hammond, LA. The property features well-appointed spaces including crematory and office. Professional offerings include funerals, cremation, and traditional burial, 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 $5,595, while direct cremation is available from $2,295. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Assemblies of God, and Baptist.
Pellerin Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 112 New Market Street in Saint Martinville, LA. The property features well-appointed spaces including sitting room, casket display area, and urns display area. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation, and traditional burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,995. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $6,660, while direct cremation is available from $2,995. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Baptist, and Non-denominational Christian.
Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 1190 Highway 51 in Ponchatoula, LA. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel, reception hall, and offices. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and burial services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,995. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,995, while direct cremation is available from $2,995. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist and Catholic.
McKneely Funeral Home of Amite & Kentwood is a premier funeral home located at 110 East Factory St. in Amite, LA. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel facilities for viewing and ceremony, reception space available, and handicap accessible. Professional offerings include funeral service, memorial service, and grief support, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,870. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $6,630, while direct cremation is available from $2,870. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian (Non-denominational/Pentecostal).
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.
Melancon Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 289 Church Street in Grand Coteau, LA. The property features well-appointed spaces including carencro main location, carencro chapel location, and opelousas location. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and catholic mass reading & music selections, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,930. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,494, while direct cremation is available from $1,930. 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.