Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Richmond National Cemetery
Richmond National Cemetery is located in Henrico County, VA, about three miles east of the state capital. The cemetery lies just within the fortification lines constructed by the Confederate army during its defense of Richmond during the Civil War. Three of the cemetery's 10 acres were purchased in July 1867 from William Slater; additional acreage was subsequently purchased in 1868 and 1906.
The first burials at Richmond National Cemetery were reinterments from Oakwood and Hollywood cemeteries in Richmond, the cemetery at Belle Island Confederate Prison, the battlefields of Cold Harbor and Seven Pines, and from locations in Chesterfield and Hanover counties, VA.
Richmond National Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
Monuments and Memorials This cemetery contains no monuments or memorials.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Richmond National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Joseph Anthony Baar (1947–1968) was born in Virginia and he graduated from Highland Springs High School, Richmond, before joining the U.S.
Navy. Fireman Baar was one of 99 sailors onboard the nuclear submarine, USS Scorpion, when she disappeared in May 1968. The wreckage of the submarine was found off the coast of the Azores in October that year; the 12 officers and 87 crewmen perished. The cause of the disaster is not known. A memorial service for Baar was held in June 1968. In May 2018, the navy observed the fiftieth anniversary of the loss of the Scorpion with a ceremony attended by the descendants of the lost crew. Baar is memorialized in Richmond National Cemetery .
Section 4A
Eligibility for burial at Richmond 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 on Highway 60 East at the corner of Government and Williamsburg Roads. It can be reached from Interstate 64 by turning off at Nine Mile Road exit, then east to stop light at Masonic Lane to stop light at Williamsburg Road (about two miles). Then turn right on Williamsburg Rd. The cemetery is located about half a mile on the left side of the road. Richmond International Airport is located approximately five miles east of the cemetery just off U.S. Route 60.
Floral and grounds policy
Our cemetery floral regulations exist only to reflect the honor and respect we hold for our Nation's Veterans, by preserving the dignity and solemnity of their final resting place.
Fresh cut flowers may be placed at gravesites at any time using cemetery-supplied floral vases. The vases may be found in a bin at the front of the cemetery next to the trash receptacle.
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
The National Cemetery Administration, working in collaboration with the National Park Service's Richmond National Battlefield Park, has developed a walking tour for Richmond National Cemetery highlighting select servicemembers interred here:
Richmond National Cemetery - Walking Tour 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 Richmond National Cemetery.
Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to Richmond National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Seven Pines National Cemetery — Sandston, VA (5 mi · closed)
- Fort Harrison National Cemetery — Richmond, VA (6 mi · closed)
- Cold Harbor National Cemetery — Mechanicsville, VA (8 mi · closed)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Richmond National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Walter J. Manning Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 700 North 25th St. in Richmond, VA. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel and funeral home. Professional offerings include funeral services, memorial services, and graveside services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,365. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,365. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Non-denominational Christian, National Baptist Convention, Southern Baptist Convention, American Baptist Churches, Episcopal, United Methodist, Assemblies of God, Muslim, Presbyterian, Reform Judaism, Church of God in Christ, Progressive National Baptist Convention, and Church of our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith.
Scott-Lightfoot Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 3021 North Street in Richmond, VA. The property features well-appointed spaces including scott's chapel. Professional offerings include traditional funeral services, personalized funeral services, and limousine services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,030. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist and Masonic.
March Funeral Homes - Laburnum Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 2110 E. Laburnum Avenue in Richmond, VA. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Morrissett Funeral and Cremation Service is a premier funeral home located at 6500 Iron Bridge Road in North Chesterfeld, VA. The property features well-appointed spaces including modern facility, reception center, and visitation room. Professional offerings include funeral service, cremation services, and pre-planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $4,145. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $7,145, while direct cremation is available from $4,145.
Washington Memorial Park is a premier funeral home located at 6217 Memorial Drive in Sandston, VA. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, waterside views, and mausoleums. Professional offerings include traditional burial, lawn crypts, and mausoleum entombment, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $810. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,045. 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 (Protestant) Funeral Traditions, and Jewish Funeral Traditions.
Bennett Funeral Homes is a premier funeral home located at 8014 Lee Davis Road in Mechanicsville, VA. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Woody Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 1771 North Parham Rd. in Richmond, VA. The property features well-appointed spaces including crematory, chapel, and life celebration venue. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and burial services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $4,770. Traditional burial arrangements are offered from $5,120. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Buddhism, Catholicism, Greek Orthodoxy, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Protestantism.
Bermuda Memorial Park is a premier funeral home located at 1901 Bermuda Hundred Road in Chester, VA. The property features well-appointed spaces including cemetery property, landscaped gardens, and monuments. Professional offerings include cemetery services, traditional ground burial, and lawn crypts, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian Funeral Traditions, Buddhist Funeral Traditions, Catholic Funeral Traditions, Hispanic Funeral Traditions, Qingming Festival, Hindu Funeral Traditions, Muslim Funeral Traditions, Christian Funeral Traditions, Jewish Funeral Traditions, Black Funeral Traditions, Chung Yeung Festival, and Día de los Muertos. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 2.6-star Google rating across 10 reviews.