Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Prescott National Cemetery
Prescott National Cemetery is located in Prescott, AZ, adjacent to the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The cemetery, which closed to new interments in 1974, covers a little over 15 acres. Interments were made here primarily because it was a conveniently safe distance from Fort Whipple, Arizona, where attacks from local Native Americans were more likely.
The present site of Prescott National Cemetery is thought to be its third location. The original cemetery was established when Fort Whipple was a camp near Del Rio Springs in 1864, and was moved soon after. The cemetery was relocated again in 1869 to its current location because flash floods washed out numerous burials in the previous site. These floods may account for the majority of the 25 unknown graves in the cemetery.
Prescott National Cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
Monuments and Memorials Prescott National Cemetery has an Unknown Soldiers Monument made of white marble rusticated to look like blocks with a centered cross on top.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Prescott 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:
Sergeant Nicholas Foran (Indian Wars).
Foran received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company L, 8th U.S. Cavalry, for actions in the Arizona Territory, from August to October 1868. Foran died in 1927 and is buried in Section 1, Row B, Site 54.
Eligibility for burial at Prescott 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 Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, take Interstate 17 North (Flagstaff) and proceed to Cordes Junction for approximately 60 miles. Take Highway 69 West toward Prescott for approximately 34 miles. The cemetery is located on the left on Highway 69 as you approach Prescott.
Floral and grounds policy
Flowers: At the time of your loved one's burial, a maximum of four fresh floral arrangements or sprays may accompany the casket or urn. These will be placed on the completed grave after the interment. Items will be removed from gravesites when they appear withered, faded, unsafe, offensive, encroach on adjacent gravesites, or are otherwise unsightly.
Fresh-cut and artificial flowers may be placed on graves at any time. Arrangements may not be more than 24" high. They cannot cover the marker or encroach upon adjacent gravesites.
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
We are developing educational content for this national cemetery, and will post new materials as they become available. Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
return to top
Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to Prescott National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Camp Navajo — Bellemont, AZ (58 mi · open)
- National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona — Phoenix, AZ (64 mi · open)
- Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Marana — Marana, AZ (159 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Prescott National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Ruffner-Wakelin Prescott Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 303 South Cortez in Prescott, AZ. The property features well-appointed spaces including gathering spaces, bradshaw chapel, and prescott chapel. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and personalization, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,115. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,920, while direct cremation is available from $1,115. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Anglican, Messianic Jewish (Ahava B'Shem Yeshua Messianic Congregation), Alliance Bible Church, Church of Christ, Church of the Nazarene, Community Church, Catholic (Sacred Heart Catholic Church), and Christian Fellowship (The Flock Church, Solid Rock Christian Fellowship).
Hampton Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 240 South Cortez in Prescott, AZ. The property features well-appointed spaces including mortuary facilities and memorial chapel. Professional offerings include cremation and grief support, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,890. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,860, while direct cremation is available from $1,890. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian (general).
Sunrise Funeral Home and Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 8167 East Highway 69 in Prescott Valley, AZ. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel and crematory. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation, and grief support, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,630. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,860, while direct cremation is available from $1,630. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian (various denominations, including Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Non-denominational) and Jewish (implied by nearby Temple B'rith Shalom, indicating service to diverse faiths).